Alma
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1824 results found
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Related holdings displayed only after "direct" holdings in the brief results
Currently, only 5 holdings are displayed in the "Physical" tab in the brief results list in Alma. In many cases holdings and "related" holdings are mixed and displayed without any particular ranking. Especially when many of them are present, it takes many clicks before one can exclude the related holdings and obtain a list of all holdings linked directly to a record.
The "Physical" tab in Alma could be changed like this: all holdings linked directly to the record are displayed first (regardless of the library), and only then come the holdings of related records.141 votes -
Alma Templates: allow user-by-user customization of default holdings templates
The shared MARC21 holdings templates in Alma offer customization of the template properties, allowing the selection of one template as the default. This customization applies to the entire institution, and not the individual Alma user. Therefore, when we have multiple catalogers working with multiple templates, they all have to conform to one default template. It would be useful to allow each cataloger to set the default template for their workflow.
140 votes -
Alma collections: Allow to add from network zone
Our Alma consortium shares a common network zone. On the local institution level, we are building Alma collections (not digital/electronic collections). We can add titles from the institution zone, but we can't add titles from the network zone.
This is documented:
Alma Online Help (English) > Resource Management > Inventory > Managing Collections"You can only add titles from your Institution Zone to collections. NZ-managed inventory cannot be added to collections."
This is very bad since many of our e-book packages are managed on the NZ level. So we can't add e-books to our collection and present them together with print titles from IZ.
To make the collection feature usable for institutions that have a common network zone, please add the feature to add titles from the NZ!
Our Alma consortium shares a common network zone. On the local institution level, we are building Alma collections (not digital/electronic collections). We can add titles from the institution zone, but we can't add titles from the network zone.
This is documented:
Alma Online Help (English) > Resource Management > Inventory > Managing Collections"You can only add titles from your Institution Zone to collections. NZ-managed inventory cannot be added to collections."
This is very bad since many of our e-book packages are managed on the NZ level. So we can't add e-books to our collection and present them together with…
137 votes -
Set up Online Service Order configuration in the NZ and be able to share with the IZ.
We would like to be able to set up Online Service Order in the NZ and share that configuration with the IZ. The goal is push the shared OA e-collections to the bottom of the list so they do not display first in the list.
136 votes -
Analytics Reports for Deleted Purchase Requests
I would like to be able to run Analytics reports on deleted purchase requests. Currently, deleted purchase requests are not available in Analytics. Therefore, we don't want to delete any of our hundreds of purchase requests because we'd lose the ability to generate Analytics reports on them. Having hundreds of old purchase requests accumulate in Alma becomes unwieldy.
136 votes -
Job or tool for extraction of related bibliographic records
We would like the ability to get a hold of or extract the related bibliographic records in bulk based on a set of (other) bib-records.
Alma already now automatically displays related records in "other details". We understand that the links are built based on bibliographic data in the MARC linking fields: 773, 774, 777, 786, 800, 810, 811, and 830 (subfield w,x,z).
An example of a related record is a title within a monographic series. In this case, the bib record for the single monograph has a 830 $w with the MMS-ID/system number of the superordinate bib record.
We would like exactly this function but not only for one title but for a set of bib records.
Use cases are:
Moving a part of our library to a different location or even library. We make the selection for the move based on items with a certain call number or location, but have trouble getting a hold of holdings which might belong to related bib-records but don’t have a permanent call number or a specific location.
When migrating from Aleph to Alma, a lot of sub- and superordinate bib records were not anchored in our Institution Zone, because they didn’t have inventory. However, they’re related to bib-records on superordinate (series) or subordinate (journal articles) level, which do have inventory. Now we need to find those related records in order to anchor them into our IZ.
We imagine, the easiest way would be to create a job, which exports all related bib-records based on a set of bib-records. Also an analytics-column, which displays all related MMS-IDs would work. The export should include the type of link (MARC field 773, 800, etc.) and all the other subfields of those MARC fields, so that we can sort the export list accordingly.
Since cataloguing hierarchical bib records is widely practiced all over the world and especially so in the German speaking regions, and since they’re part of the RDA cataloguing regulations, we are convinced, that this could be useful for many libraries.
We would like the ability to get a hold of or extract the related bibliographic records in bulk based on a set of (other) bib-records.
Alma already now automatically displays related records in "other details". We understand that the links are built based on bibliographic data in the MARC linking fields: 773, 774, 777, 786, 800, 810, 811, and 830 (subfield w,x,z).
An example of a related record is a title within a monographic series. In this case, the bib record for the single monograph has a 830 $w with the MMS-ID/system number of the superordinate bib record.
We would…
135 votes -
BATCH JOB TO CREATE ITEMS
We need a batch job to add items to existing holdings records. During migration we did not realize the importance of having items for display in Primo. One of our locations shows (0 copies, 0 available) when we do have non-circulating copies.
135 votesDear all,
I would like to update you on our plans to support creation of multiple items.
We are looking into adding 2 workflows, to support different needs in libraries:
1. Creating multiple items for a specific holdings record, using item templates.
The "Add item from template" functionality coming in May release will allow automatically filling in the fields of a new item from a template. We are looking into a future enhancement using this feature, to also allow librarians to specify a number of items to add - so that multiple items will be created pre-populated from the template.
This will be an easy, quick way to add multiple copies of a book, etc.
2. Creating multiple items from Excel using a CloudApp
This will work similarly to the existing "Item updater by Excel" CloudApp, allowing the librarian to upload an Excel with item information, but instead of specifying the item IDs to update, the Excel will contain MMS IDs and holdings IDs, and items will be created for the specified holdings according to the item fields populated in the Excel.
This will be useful when adding items to multiple holdings, for adding non-identical items (e.g. with different enumeration / chronology fields), or when the library has the needed items' data in an Excel (e.g. received from a vendor).
The existing import profile workflow will continue support these and other scenarios (e.g. creating items with new holdings and/or bib records), as today.
Dear all,
I would like to update you on our plans to support creation of multiple items.
We are looking into adding 2 workflows, to support different needs in libraries:
1. Creating multiple items for a specific holdings record, using item templates.
The "Add item from template" functionality coming in May release will allow automatically filling in the fields of a new item from a template. We are looking into a future enhancement using this feature, to also allow librarians to specify a number of items to add - so that multiple items will be created pre-populated from the template.
This will be an easy, quick way to add multiple copies of a book, etc.
2. Creating multiple items from Excel using a CloudApp
This will work similarly to the existing "Item updater by Excel" CloudApp, allowing the librarian to upload an Excel with item information, but instead of specifying…
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Empty User Roles via API
We would like to be able to empty all user roles using an API call. Currently, User_Roles is the only segment that keeps untouched when the API call object does not contain any roles. This makes it necessary to keep at least one role as a parameter and it makes no sense from the API usability as it actually always returns the full user objets including empty roles arrays when we delete all roles from Alma end-point.
135 votes -
Improve Alma Link Resolver’s performance with Pubmed IDs (PMIDs)
Improve Alma Link Resolver’s performance with Pubmed IDs (PMIDs) such that it is as good or better than Serials Solutions’ 360 Link performance with Pubmed IDs. Areas where this is currently a problem include translation of OpenURL data from Pubmed over to Illiad through Alma Linker and Primo, item level linking between Pubmed, Alma Linker and Cochrane Library, and probably many other areas.
134 votes -
Suppress bib record when no active portfolios/services
If a record has zero active services, it should be automatically suppressed in Primo. When we choose to use the CDI records for a collection instead of the CZ records, there is a button to "change to CDI-only full text activation." This suppresses the service, but it does not suppress the bib records. We have to manually run a job on each collection to also suppress the bib records. Most of the time this is fine (even though it's an extra step), but if some of the CZ bib records overlap with other collections, we don't necessarily want to suppress them all. We only want to suppress the ones with no services.
There is a SuppressBibWithSuppressedHol setting which means that if all physical holdings in a bib record are suppressed, the bib record itself suppressed. I'd love to see something similar for e-resources, i.e. SuppressBibwithSuppressedServices.
If a record has zero active services, it should be automatically suppressed in Primo. When we choose to use the CDI records for a collection instead of the CZ records, there is a button to "change to CDI-only full text activation." This suppresses the service, but it does not suppress the bib records. We have to manually run a job on each collection to also suppress the bib records. Most of the time this is fine (even though it's an extra step), but if some of the CZ bib records overlap with other collections, we don't necessarily want to suppress…
133 votes -
PO line description should represent current bibliographical data
Alma provides insufficient data in PO lines for the task of pulling a list of subscriptions a library has of a specific publisher's titles:
The PO line description contains only bibliographical data from the bib record as it was at the time the PO line was created. Subsequent changes in the publisher data are not updated in the related PO lines.
Even in newly created PO lines, Alma introduces the content of MARC field 264 _1 instead of 264 31 if such a field exists, i.e. it copies the first, not the current publisher’s name into the PO line description.
In negotiations with publishers, especially when licensing electronic content, it is essential to be able to provide a complete list of all subscriptions, through an agency or directly, of that publisher's titles.
PO lines should be updated when the related bib record is amended; at the very least, when creating a PO line or manually updating it from the bib record, the current publisher should be imported.
Martin Gränicher, Library am Guisanplatz
martin.graenicher@gs-vbs.admin.chAlma provides insufficient data in PO lines for the task of pulling a list of subscriptions a library has of a specific publisher's titles:
The PO line description contains only bibliographical data from the bib record as it was at the time the PO line was created. Subsequent changes in the publisher data are not updated in the related PO lines.
Even in newly created PO lines, Alma introduces the content of MARC field 264 _1 instead of 264 31 if such a field exists, i.e. it copies the first, not the current publisher’s name into the PO line description.
…
131 votes -
Include Fulfillment Notes when Shipping items in Resource Sharing
It would be nice if pop-up fulfillment notes on an item record were attached to a resource sharing request when an item is shipped, much like the barcode currently does. So if a damaged book has a note saying "Underlining noted," that note would attach to the request record so that the borrowing institution could see it. This would make it easier for the people processing on either end to know whether an item shipped with damage, or a set shipped with a certain amount of items, etc.
130 votes -
Alternative Call Number in Manage Patron Services-Requests
In Manage Patron Services, tab Requests, we can’t display or add Alternative Call Number.
For us is important the visibility of this field due to it’s our location system.
We would like this field to be displayed.Thanks!
129 votes -
Incorporation of All Indigenous Syllabics from the Canadian Aboriginal Syllabics Unicode Block
I have a case open with Ex Libris (# 00517082) regarding this. Not all Indigenous syllabics render in Alma, and thus, do not render in Primo either. As an important aspect of Canadian Libraries' commitments to Truth and Reconciliation, and as it is UN's International Year of Indigenous Languages, it would be excellent if Ex Libris could prioritize resolving this issue so that we can allow Indigenous users full discoverability of resources in their own languages.
128 votes -
Add the ability to add notes to POLs en masse
During some projects, it is necessary to append the same note to a group of POLs (cancellation projects, for instance).
Being able to add a note to a group of POLs en masse (versus adding the note to each POL one by one) would be helpful.
129 votesDear Community,
This is to update you that we plan to enhance the "Update PO Lines Information" job in a future Alma release. We plan to add 19 new fields to this job:
Additional PO line reference field
Cancellation Restriction
Cancellation Restriction Note
Add labels
Remove labels
Create new label
Reclaim interval
Subscription interval
Note to vendorVendor reference number type
Routing during receiving
Binding during receiving
Activation note
Renewal date
Subscription from
Subscription to
Renewal reminder period (days)
Renewal note
Internal noteIn addition, the job form will be divided into sections, allowing to easily locate the required field/s to update.
Please follow up on Alma Release Notes for update on this development.
Best wishes,
Zohar Shemesh
Alma Product Team
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Electronic Material Types - Need for more options.
Unlike the Physical Item Material Types, Electronic Material Types are limited because they are hardcoded. However, the list that is provided by Ex Libris does not give us enough granularity. For instance, at our institution, we have senior theses that are deposited into our institutional repository. However, when you create the portfolio and select the Electronic Material Type there is no option for either “Bachelor’s Thesis” or a generic “Thesis”. Instead, they only provide “Dissertation” or “Master Thesis” there is no option for a Bachelor’s of Senior project. Therefore, we are forced to select Book which is inaccurate.
This would help patrons who are specifically looking for Senior projects or Senior Theses in the catalog locate them. When patrons see “book” they might simply look over. Also, by either adding a generic Theses option or allowing more options for the Electronic Material Type will allow catalogers to accurately record information and, thus, making their catalogs accurate.
Electronic Material Types should have more flexibility similar to the Physical Material Type. Institutions should be able to add to the list based on the needs of that institution’s collection. Or there should be a free-text box beside the already hardcoded Electronic Material Type for catalogers/library staff to be able to correctly identify the material type for a particular resource. Too, by adding more options, catalogers/Library staff can accurately run reports on Electronic Material Types and this can aid in clean-up projects, etc.
With that in mind, I’m asking Ex Libris to consider adding more Electronic Material Types such as “Bachelor’s Thesis” or “Thesis” and consider the idea of allowing more granularity or not having them hardcoded.
Unlike the Physical Item Material Types, Electronic Material Types are limited because they are hardcoded. However, the list that is provided by Ex Libris does not give us enough granularity. For instance, at our institution, we have senior theses that are deposited into our institutional repository. However, when you create the portfolio and select the Electronic Material Type there is no option for either “Bachelor’s Thesis” or a generic “Thesis”. Instead, they only provide “Dissertation” or “Master Thesis” there is no option for a Bachelor’s of Senior project. Therefore, we are forced to select Book which is inaccurate.
This would…
128 votes -
Expired Hold Shelf to Alma mobile
It would be practical to get the Expired Hold Shelf lists to Alma mobile so we didn't have to print them on paper.
128 votes -
Adding the publisher location to the "Keywords" index in Alma
Currently, the publisher location is not indexed in the general "Keywords" index in Alma. If someone wants to search for a certain publisher location, one must use the specific index because a "Keywords" search won't bring any results.
This is particularly unpractical when searching for series or periodicals, as they often have similar names but different publishers or publisher locations, or later editions of a certain work which can be identified by the different publisher resp. publisher location.
What confuses staff users is also that if one wants to search for a book, using the title and/or the author as search terms leads to useful results but the simple addition of the publisher location brings no results at all.
For these reasons, we suggest adding subfields 260 $a, 264 $a, 533 $b, 752 $a-g to the general "Keywords" indexing.Currently, the publisher location is not indexed in the general "Keywords" index in Alma. If someone wants to search for a certain publisher location, one must use the specific index because a "Keywords" search won't bring any results.
This is particularly unpractical when searching for series or periodicals, as they often have similar names but different publishers or publisher locations, or later editions of a certain work which can be identified by the different publisher resp. publisher location.
What confuses staff users is also that if one wants to search for a book, using the title and/or the author as…128 votes -
Adding new labels to a letter in Alma
In Alma/Administration/General Configuration/Configuration Menu/General Configuration/Letter emails
I want to add new labels with translation field.For example the OrderListLetter.xsl has the following codes:
department; billingaddress; date; issnisbn; sincerely; addressFrom; Cc; Bcc; note; letterName; orderdate; subject; polinenumber; price; quantity; shippingaddress; shippingmethod; title; vendoraccount; placeorderintroduction
In Alma/Administration/General Configuration/Configuration Menu/General Configuration/Customize Letters
We want to add a new header cells, for example:
<th>@@publication_place@@</th>Is there possible to add new codes in “Alma/Administration/General Configuration/Configuration Menu/General Configuration/Letter emails”?
127 votes -
Overdue notifications to be sent also on days after closed days
We noticed that if closed days are configured, and a closed day is between the due date of a loan and the planned day on which the first reminder should be sent, the job does not generate a notification on that day but waits until the next one.
This leads to misunderstanding on the patrons side, because the grace period is not always identical and can vary depending on possible closed days.
We described the issue in case nr. 05301818 (old SF nr.: 00953477) and were told that this is the expected behaviour. The Product manager decided that when there's a closed day between the job run and the due date, due to the request for not sending emails on closed days, it will check another extra day.
We would like IZs to be allowed to choose whether they want this extra day or not, by adding e.g. some parameter in the overdues configuration.We noticed that if closed days are configured, and a closed day is between the due date of a loan and the planned day on which the first reminder should be sent, the job does not generate a notification on that day but waits until the next one.
This leads to misunderstanding on the patrons side, because the grace period is not always identical and can vary depending on possible closed days.
We described the issue in case nr. 05301818 (old SF nr.: 00953477) and were told that this is the expected behaviour. The Product manager decided that when there's…127 votes
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