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FSU Ort Library's New ILS & Discovery Tool SearchCat

New Shared Integrated Library Management System

All USMAI Libraries to migrate from Ex Libris Aleph system to Ex Libris Alma Primo system over Spring 2024


Alma LogoThis spring, Frostburg State University’s Lewis J. Ort Library, along with the 17 libraries across the University System of Maryland and Affiliated Institutions (USMAI) consortium, will migrate to a new integrated library system (ILS) called Alma, which will to go live on May 23, 2024. Throughout the spring, the USMAI migration task force and our local campus team has been working to replace the current system, called Aleph, which has been in place for over 20 years.

An integrated library system manages the basic functions of a library, such as checking library materials in and out, keeping track of orders and subscriptions, and providing the infrastructure that allows library users to search and access library materials. This system migration is a critical step forward and will help to modernize Ort Library’s current functionality and usability, increasing cooperation with other systems across the FSU campus and with other academic institutions throughout the state. 

We will be providing updates as the project continues throughout the spring, especially with information on any temporary service changes or suspensions as the new system is prepared. If you have any questions, please reach out via email to ortlibrary@frostburg.edu.

SearchCat: Our New Library Discovery Tool

SearchCat

The screenshot below shows our new search interface coming on May 23:

SearchCat search box screenshot

Part of the new integrated library system is the discovery tool SearchCat, which will replace both OneSearch and CatalogUSMAI to streamline search functions and improve access to local resources and scholarly research. You will notice more features that will allow you to manage your loans, requests, and citations more easily. 

SearchCat will have the same functionalities as OneSearch. Plus, with your FSU login, you will also be able to sign in to SearchCat in order to: 

  • Renew checked-out books and videos online
  • Create favorites lists
  • Export citations to Mendeley and Endnote Web
  • View full search results (full-text article search results from some databases may not be visible unless you sign in)

SearchCat will launch at the same time as the new integrated library system on May 23!