The USMAI Library Consortium (USMAI) and all our member libraries are implementing a new and improved catalog and integrated library system (ILS) that will launch on May 23, 2024 at most libraries and June 5th at the University of Maryland Global Campus. In addition to the upgrades to the catalog and ILS, library patrons will also benefit from a new search interface, or "discovery layer," that streamlines and enhances the process of searching and accessing library collections. This system will replace the Classic Catalog (catalogUSMAI), EBSCO Discovery Service, and WorldCat Discovery Service (depending on your institution).
A bit of bumpiness during the changeover process is unavoidable.
Service interruptions will be limited. Please, see the answer to "Will there be service interruptions?" for key dates and additional information.
The new system will be replacing some older systems, including the Classic Catalog (catalogUSMAI), WorldCat Discovery, and EBSCO Discovery Service.
You may need to take action to save your saved searches and/or saved items in these accounts. More information and instructions are provided in the answer to "Will saved searches and items in my account(s) still be available?"
Your course syllabi, reading lists, and pages in your institutions' learning management system may require updated links to resources in the new search tool. See "Will links to library resources in the old system still work?
Yes, there will be limited service interruptions on key dates in late April and May while the new system is being implemented.
Yes. Interlibrary loan will continue to be available throughout the migration.
Most library users will not have to do anything.
If you have one or more library accounts with saved searches and saved items that you want to keep, you will need to save the information before May 23, 2024. See "Will saved searches and items in my account(s) still be available?" for more information and instructions on how to capture the data before the May 23rd deadline.
If you teach a course, the old links to library resources in your course materials, learning management system, syllabi, etc., will need to be updated after the migration. Your library may have additional information for you.
The new library system will replace the Classic Catalog (catalogUSMAI), WorldCat Discovery, and EBSCO Discovery Service. If you have saved items and/or searches in either catalogUSMAI or WorldCat Discovery that you would like to retain, you will need to save them before Thursday, May 23, 2024. The process is easy and, in most cases, pretty quick.
Visit Capture Saved Searches and Saved Items in catalogUSMAI for instructions.
No. Links to library resources in your course materials, learning management systems, course syllabi, etc., will need to be updated. Instructions will be shared
Email ortlibrary@frostburg.edu with your questions. An additional list of resources provided by member libraries is on USMAI's library system migration information page.
A discovery layer, also called a "search interface," is the interface which lets you search all the materials the library makes available to you, including articles, books, and more. Ex Libris' Primo VE is the new platform for your library's discovery layer.
Also called a "search tool," a discovery tool is the software that enables you to search for library resources across multiple databases in a single search and provides the interface to do so. The discovery tool used by many USMAI libraries has been EBSCO Discovery Service (EDS). Discovery tools currently used by USMAI institutions will be retired and replaced with Primo VE.
An integrated library system is the software (or "platform") that underlies all core library functions, 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. USMAI's new ILS is Alma.
When we talk about USMAI's "new library system" or "new system," we are technically referring to the combination of two systems: the new integrated library system (Alma) and the new discovery tool (Primo VE). USMAI's new library system is Alma/Primo VE.
The USMAI Library Consortium (USMAI) is an association of 17 academic libraries in Maryland that pool resources and work together to achieve shared goals. To learn more about USMAI, please visit our purpose, guiding principles, and strategic priorities page.