We would really like to be able to utilize Alma/Primo VE to its fullest potential, but one of the things lacking in the Purchase Request options is that there is no way to modify the fields or even add additional fields. We are needing at least two additional fields for us to be able to use the built-in functionality - a note field for special instructions (usually entered by faculty) and a level of priority (i.e., Rush or no rush - in the event this request is for a course reserve, it needs to be a priority, but there is no option to flag these using the built-in form).

This idea was submitted on behalf of Alma's Product management team as we would like to understand the need and use cases of the idea's description below - any comment is welcome.

Currently it is possible to save PO line as a template and utilize this template any time a new order is created (using the designated "Load from template") option (see attached image 1).

The suggested idea is to allow users the option to choose a relevant PO line template when approving a purchase request (see attached image 2), this will allow the PO line created from the purchase request to be populated with relevant fields (Reporting codes/Acquisition Method/Note to vendor etc. ) which were saved as part of the template.

This will prevent the need to edit the newly created PO line and manually add the fields which will be added automatically via the template selection (see attached image 3) as part of the purchase request approval flow.

We have access services library staff who create purchase requests for items to place on reserve as well as requests from students and faculty. It would be very helpful to Acquisitions staff to have a few additional fields/enhancements on the Create Purchase Request form:

1. Add a Receiving Note to the form - we add reserve information to the receiving note so that the staff member receiving the item sees that the item is for reserves. Checking the notes tab is an extra step and the note could easily be missed.




2. Requester field. The requester automatically becomes an interested user, but the default is to notify upon receipt. Add a radio button to allow staff placing the order to notify upon receipt or hold the item. We want to notify users once the item has been cataloged, not upon receipt. Placing the item on hold achieves this.




3. In the notes field allow for live links for urls. Requesters often add the url of the website where the item can be purchased. If the url were a live link our staff could easily link out to website to make sure we have the correct information for the item (author title, pub year, etc.)

This idea was submitted by Ex Libris product management team in order to better understand the need as well as get feedback from the community.

Current situation:

• A purchase request can be created from Primo/Leganto/Alma


• A purchase request must rely on a Bibliographic record, there are 2 options for the purchase request to match on a Bibliographic record:


• Match to an existing Bib record (if exists)


• Create a new Bib record (this is the use case described below)

When creating a purchase request, the user has the option to decide whether it is a "One Time" purchase (Book) or "Continuous" (Journal) AND which material type should be purchased (Physical or Electronic) - see attached screenshot 1.

The way that the Bibliographic record is created (currently) is that upon creation of the purchase request, Alma looks to see the default template which is set by the institution (in the MD Editor) and a Bib record is created with material type according to this template.

The need:

Purchase request can create 4 types of PO lines (as you can see in screenshot1):
- Physical book
- Electronic Book
- Physical Journal
- Electronic journal

The Bib record which will be created as a result from the creation of the purchase request will only have the type which is set in the default template in the MD Editor

So in certain scenarios, a Purchase Request which was created for Electronic Book
will create a bib record was with type "Physical-Book", why? Because this is the default template set in the MD Editor.

Desired outcome:

The material type of the Bibliographic record created as a result from the purchase request should match the material type set on the purchase request.

We are trying to utilize the purchase request form in Primo to have users request streaming video through Alma. Streaming videos are very popular nowadays but unfortunately there is not an option for this material type and citation in the purchase request form. 

Can you add more citation options? Besides books or journals there is not an option that matches the streaming video material type. It would be really helpful to have a streaming citation or video since this resource is very popular among our users. 

The request processing has become very drudgery and entering this information over and over again isn't productive. We would like to implement material requests through Alma and fully utilize the purchase request form in Primo. Thank you!