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New Library Software!: Home

Everything you want to know (and then some!) about the library's new software system.

Introduction

Cattell Library is getting a new Library Services Platform (LSP) in June 2025!  This will impact just about every aspect of library operations, including searching for resources, placing holds, checking out materials, and accessing your account online.  Requesting items from OhioLINK, SearchOhio, and placing InterLibrary Loan (ILL) requests will also be impacted.

We want this page to help make the transition as smooth as possible for everyone, so if you feel information is missing or you have additional questions, please contact any member of the library staff.

**UPDATE - 6/18/25: It's here!  To see and experience all the newness, visit the library website and scroll down to Search the Malone Library Catalog.**

Important Dates

July 2025 - January 2026
  • Watch this space for information regarding the timeline and implementation of a mobile app, integration with Moodle, and reconnecting with SearchOhio.
 
June 25 August 11, 2025 - Automated ILL Goes Live!
  • While it won't be 100% automated, the module that will allow users to request InterLibrary Loan from within the system will go live.
  • Electronic article requests may be fulfilled in as little as 24 hours!

 

June 17, 2025 - OhioLINK/SearchOhio Items Due
  • All items that were borrowed through OhioLINK or SearchOhio that were checked out before the start of the Circulation Hiccup on June 3rd are due and need to be returned ASAP.  If you desire to keep the item past that date, please contact us to discuss the options.

 

June 18, 2025 - Open House
2:00-3:30

Primo Go Live Announcement-1.png

 

June 18, 2025 - New System Goes Live!
(Approximately 9:00 A.M. EST)
  • Once the link on the website is changed to point to the new LSP, you will be able to use and explore the new system using your Malone log-in credentials!
  • "New Normal" - The library will be almost fully functional in the new system! 
    • It will take up to 2 weeks for ALL OhioLINK resources to show, as it will take that long for the rest of the institutions to "Go Live" and their resources to be indexed in the system.
    • SearchOhio items will not be searchable or requestable until we reconnect with them this Fall.
 
June 3 -18, 2025 - Circulation Hiccup in Current System
  • The good news: You will be able to check out physical Malone materials, ILL requests, or other materials you have placed on hold! 
  • The not-so-good news: Even though you will still have access to your library account, you will not be able to place your own holds, receive the automatic notification of holds ready for pick up, and items may appear on your record that you have already returned.
  • Please contact the library if you wish to have Malone items placed on hold, would like to know what items are waiting for you on the hold shelf, or have any other questions regarding your account.
  • Access to electronic resources will remain available during this time.
  • Most account information will be available in the new system starting June 18th

 

May 23, 2025 @ 5:00 P.M. - OhioLINK/SearchOhio Freeze Begins
  • Last day to place OhioLINK, SearchOhio, and OPAL Requests.  (Basically any item not owned by Malone.)
  • Access to OhioLINK and OPAL is expected to be restored June 18th in the new platform.
  • Access to SearchOhio will be restored Fall 2025 (probably November-ish) in the new platform.
  • All items OhioLINK and SearchOhio items checked out before or during the freeze will be due June 27, 2025.  If items are still needed after June 27th, please contact us the week before to explore options.
  • All OPAL items checked out before or during the freeze will not be due until June 27, 2025, even though your account may indicate otherwise. 
  • Items may be requested from other libraries during this time by placing an InterLibrary Loan Request.  Just e-mail us at libraryservices@malone.edu
  • Have no fear, your library staff is here to help you secure materials with as little disruption as possible.  Just reach out!

FAQ

  • How do I access the new system?

    • Just like you always have...by visiting the library website!  The link there will be updated as soon as the new system is live.

  • Will Malone still be part of OPAL? OhioLINK? SearchOhio?

    • Yes!  Access to OPAL and OhioLINK materials will be restored on June 18th when we "Go Live" in the new system.  Access to SearchOhio will be restored sometime Fall 2025.

  • Will overdue notices continue to come from other institutions?

    • No.  Almost all communications regarding your account (requests, holds, overdue items) will now be coming from "Malone Everett Cattell Library."

  • Can I still access the library's electronic resources during the OhioLINK Freeze or the Circulation Hiccup?

    • Yes!  We expect all electronic resources to continue being available with little-to-no downtime.

  • What will happen with the OhioLINK/SearchOhio/OPAL items I checked out before the Freeze?

    • Any OhioLINK/SearchOhio/OPAL item checked out or renewed before the Freeze begins on May 23, 2025 at 5:00 P.M. will be yours to keep for the full checkout time.
    • Unfortunately, items will not be able to be renewed during the the Freeze and must be returned. 
    • **NEW - All OhioLINK/SearchOhio items checked out will have their due dates extended until June 27, 2025.**
    • **NEW - All OPAL items will not be due until June 27, 2025, even though your account may indicate otherwise.**
    • Have no fear...your Malone library staff is here to help!  If you desire to keep an item past its due date (June 27 for all non-Malone items), please contact us.  We will work with you to see if we can locate another copy to swap.
    • While we do not charge overdue fines for late OhioLINK/SearchOhio/OPAL items, items lost during this period of time will be charged the usual rate.

  • Will SearchOhio still be available through participating public libraries after May 23rd?

    • Yes...kind of.  Participating public libraries will still have SearchOhio services available through August 1, 2025.  You can request items using any participating library's library card.
    • A list of participating public libraries can be found here.  (Pssst...in case you didn't know, Stark Library has a branch just .5 miles down the road from campus!)

  • Can I still place InterLibrary Loan Requests?

    • Yes!  If you need assistance in finding anything before, during, or after the transition, please send an e-mail to libraryservices@malone.edu so we can help.
    • After the new software goes live, you'll be able to place your requests right from the user interface.  No more creating an e-mail or cutting and pasting of titles or DOIs!

  • Will I have to change any permalinks in my syllabi, Moodle, or other documents?

    • Any link that currently points to our current system/catalog will need to be changed.
    • Permalinks that link directly to an article on a publisher's website should not need to be changed.
    • Library staff would be happy to help with this if we can; just contact us!

  • Do I still need my library barcode to log in?

    • No!  You will use your regular Malone log in (e-mail address and password) to access your account.  However, you will still need to bring your Malone ID/barcode to the library to check out physical items.

  • Will I be able to renew items myself?

    • Yes!  Just log into your account and click Renew for the item you wish to renew.

  • Do I have to log in to browse the catalog?

    • No, but we recommend you take the few seconds to log in before you search.  The system will not know you are affiliated with Malone until you log in, so you will not be able to see all available electronic resources.  You must also be logged in to place a hold on an item that catches your eye.

  • How long will I be able to check out items in the new system?

    • Malone Items
      • Most books and CDs - 15 weeks or till the end of the current semester, whichever comes first (1 renewal max)
      • DVDs, curriculum items, tests - 1 week (2 renewals max)
      • Reference, periodicals, archives - in library use only
    • OhioLINK/OPAL Items
      • Books, CDs - 6 weeks (6 renewals max) - NEW!
      • DVDs - 6 weeks (6 renewals max) - NEW!
    • SearchOhio Items
      • Books, CDs - 3 weeks (3 renewals max)
      • DVDs - 1 week (no renewals)
    • Interlibrary Loans
      • Books - determined by the lender, but typically 4 weeks (renewals vary as they are also determined by the lender)
      • Articles - downloaded copies and PDFs do not need to be returned.

  • This sounds like a lot of change.  What will be staying the same?

    • Your friendly librarians will still be here smiling and and ready to assist you anyway we can!
    • Access to all the physical and electronic resources you have come to know and love will not change.
    • You can still request physical items from any Ohio university/college (OhioLINK) to pick up and check out at the Malone Circulation Desk.
    • Once service is restored in Fall 2025, you'll be able to once again request physical items from various public libraries in the state (SearchOhio) to pick up at Malone.

This is not a comprehensive list of everything you can do in Primo.  If you do not see your question here, please contact the library for assistance.

  • How do I log in?

    • Click Sign In in the upper right corner.
    • Select that you are logging in with a Malone account.
    • Follow the prompts.

  • Do I have to log in to search the catalog?

    • No, but it is recommended.
    • Not logging in means you may miss out on being able to access some of the fabulous resources the Cattell Library provides!
    • Logging in also allows you to create favorites lists, save searches, and see your search history for that session.

  • Renew items

    • Sign into your account using your Malone credentials (Malone e-mail and password).
    • Click your name in the upper right corner and select My Loans.
    • Find the title you wish to renew, and click RENEW.
    • A yellow box will confirm the item was renewed and display the new due date.

  • How do I check the status of items I have requested?

    • Sign into your account using your Malone credentials (Malone e-mail and password).
    • Click your name in the upper right corner and select My Requests.
    • Click the down arrow on the right to expand the box and see where the item is in the process.
    • In process items can be cancelled up until the time they are shipped by clicking Cancel.

  • I think I have a fine on my account. Can I see how much I owe?

    • Yes!
    • Log into your account.
    • Click your name in the upper right corner.
    • Select Library Card.  Here you can see your current fine balance.  Click the link at the bottom of the Fine + Fees box to see all the details.

  • What happens after June 18, 2023?

    • We will quickly start work on implementing other aspects of the system such as the mobile app and the ability to integrate with Moodle.

For those who are library super fans who want to know more, here is some "behind the scenes" information about the system change.  It is probably way more than you may really care to know, so feel free to stop reading.  You do not need to know any of this to enjoy using the new system!

  • Why is our library changing systems?

    • The system we currently use has been in place for about 30 years.  It was created to handle primarily physical materials.  The new system allows for more flexibility, options, and customization at the local level.  It was created with a variety of materials in mind (both physical and electronic). This allows for easier integration of Ohio's 80+ academic institutions.  It also provides a more friendly and intuitive user interface for you...our patrons!

  • What is the name of the new system?

    • The Ex Libris Library Services Solution is a fully integrated suite of cloud-based software that allows libraries to streamline workflows while providing a user-friendly, more intuitive interface for library staff and patrons.  

  • What are the various components of the system we will be using, and what do they do?

    • Alma is a unified library system that allows library staff to process library materials in one system from start to finish.  This allows staff to manage various workflows, such as acquisitions, cataloging, circulation, and statistics from within the same platform.  Over 2,700 institutions worldwide use Alma. Goes live June 18, 2025!

    • Primo is a discovery interface that allows users to explore and discover both physical and electronic resources from one place.  Searching is more intuitive than other products, and users can access a variety of electronic resources without having to leave and go to another to find what they want.  Goes live June 18, 2025!

    • Rapido allows OhioLINK institutions to continue to borrow and lend physical resources to one another...without having to click another button and leave Malone's catalog!  Goes live June 18, 2025!

    • RapidILL is a module that works in the background to allow users to easily place InterLibrary Loan requests, particularly electronic resources.  See an article we do not have access to?  Complete a brief form with your contact information, and the system will take it from there.  Some electronic resources may be delivered to your inbox in as little as 24 hours!  Goes live June 20, 2025!

    • campusM is a mobile app created for universities to allow users to easily engage with the library.  Search the catalog, access electronic resources, and manage your account from any mobile device in this app tailored specifically to OhioLINK institutions.  Goes live Fall 2025!

    • Rapido Consortial Borrowing is the module that will allow OhioLINK institutions to "talk" to SearchOhio institutions (public libraries) so that we can continue to borrow and lend from one another.  Goes live Fall 2025!

    • Alma Digital is a component of Alma that is designed to manage digitized resources and make them available electronically to users.  Go live date TBD.

    • Leganto will integrate with Moodle to allow easy, efficient access to library resources, Open Educational Resources (OER), and the creation of class reading lists.  Expected to go live January 2026!

  • By the numbers (as of mid-May 2025): 

    • Whole project
      • 80+ individual institutions are being migrated
      • More than 150 Project Leads (1-2 per institution) attending weekly meetings and training sessions
      • 8 Work Groups consisting of over 106 OhioLINK members have been focusing on various aspects of the software and creating policies, workflows, and help guides
      • Over 101,000,000 bibliographic records are being migrated (the number of actual individual items is quite a bit higher than that!), along with close to a million patron records
      • Clarivate (the vendor) has a total of 66 staff members dedicated to this project, including 10 Project Managers, all 7 of their company's System Engineers, and 41 Migration Analysts and Implementation Consultants.  They have logged more than 19,000 hours collectively so far.