Library Services Platform Migration
What you need to know!
Updated: 5/29/2025
In June 2025, the CWRU Libraries, along with the OhioLINK academic library consortium, will transition to a new library services platform (LSP). The LSP is the suite of software that libraries use to acquire, manage and lend resources — as well as allowing users to search for, find, and access those resources. Following the transition, users can expect enhancements to the libraries’ catalog searching, access and delivery of electronic resources, and streamlined borrowing from other OhioLINK Member Libraries.
On this page, we’ve outlined what can be expected from the transition from the current LSP to the new platform, including important timelines and contacts. JUST ADDED: Library Migration FAQ.
For any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your Research & Engagement Librarian or email [email protected]. More information is also available from OhioLINK.
Project Timeline / Key Dates
As a result of this upgrade, some library services will be temporarily paused during Spring 2025. Please note the following estimated timeline and plan accordingly for your purchasing and borrowing needs from the CWRU Libraries in preparation for the Spring and Summer semesters.
Click here for larger view of the timeline.
Requesting materials for purchase
The Law Library will continue to accept all materials requests during this period, including faculty requests. Kelvin Smith Library (KSL), Cleveland Health Sciences Library (CHSL), and Harris Library have suspended processing print purchase requests and will resume processing them on July 1, 2025.
If you require materials after February 28, please reach out to your Research & Engagement Librarian to find solutions to your needs.
Campus community members can continue to request Electronic Resource purchases from KSL and CHSL (eBooks, eJournals, streaming video, electronic databases) through May 23, 2025. You may experience delays in Electronic Resource processing as we work to enhance our services.
Friday, May 23, 2025: OhioLINK and SearchOhio Borrowing Pause
Requesting, borrowing, and lending through OhioLINK and SearchOhio will be suspended on May 23, as all member libraries move to the new platform. It is strongly encouraged to plan ahead and request materials you may need for the Summer and Fall Semesters in advance of May 23, 2025.
OhioLINK services are expected to resume, with streamlined borrowing, in July 2025. It is estimated that SearchOhio lending will resume by 2026.
Friday, May 23, 2025: eResource Request Deadline
Continue to request eResources (eBooks, eJournals, streaming video, electronic databases). During the spring, there will be delays in processing these requests as we pause purchasing eResources on February 28. We expect to resume purchasing eResources on April 28.
June 10 - June 24: CWRU Migration Period
During the migration period, KSL will continue to offer onsite lending. Please consult other campus libraries for their policies.
June 25: CWRU Go-Live in Alma/Primo
The timeline found on this page largely applies to Kelvin Smith Library. For library-specific information about this transition or the timeline, please contact the campus library that supports your school:
- Cleveland Health Sciences Library. Email: [email protected]
- Judge Ben C. Green Law Library. Email: [email protected]
- Lillian & Milford Harris Library. Email: [email protected]
What are the benefits of the new LSP?
Ex Libris Alma/Primo library services platform upgrade will position libraries to: support 21st century teaching, learning, and research; streamline day-to-day operations; and enhance stability and security. The cloud-based structure also will enable OhioLINK to provide more direct support for member libraries in such areas as systems and e-resources. This will provide many benefits to library services for faculty and students, as well as efficiencies to our library operations. Here are some of the features you can look forward to:
- Enhanced user experience with a more modern and intuitive interface to find print and electronic articles, books, and other kinds of library materials
- Better access and management of digital library resources, now a growing portion of our library’s collection
- More responsive interface with mobile devices.
- Closer collaboration between OhioLINK member libraries, streamlining borrowing and lending
- Cloud-based software updates regularly and automatically, reducing the burden on
- campus IT systems experts
Read the press release from OhioLINK.
What is changing?
While the search interface will visibly look different, most changes are happening behind the scenes. Once the transition is completed, your experience will be more streamlined, making it easier to connect to resources. Kelvin Smith library will provide training and assistance to help you navigate the new system.
What stays the same?
Research & Engagement Librarians (RELs) and Service Desk staff will continue to help you navigate library resources and services, find a specific item or information, develop search strategies, and support your research and teaching. Find the REL for your discipline.
Interlibrary Loan services will still be available for most of the migration timeline. However, there may be a temporary pause, potentially in June. We will provide updates as soon as specific dates are available.
The collection itself is not changing. You will still have access to the same books and electronic resources as before. Users will just have new ways to search across electronic and print collections. Kelvin Smith library will provide training to help you navigate the new system.
What do I need to do?
Please be aware of the key dates and plan accordingly for your purchasing and borrowing needs from the CWRU Libraries in preparation for the Spring and Summer semesters. Some library services will be temporarily paused during Spring 2025 to implement an enhanced searching and borrowing experience.
Links to library catalog records for resources in course pages and syllabi may need to be updated.
Check this page and the library news for updates.
How do I get help?
For any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your Research & Engagement Librarian or email [email protected]. More information is also available from OhioLINK.