1015 results found

1. Better information design for pop-ups in the New Circ UI

   When managing return items in Alma: information in the pop-up on subsequent steps in the process is difficult to read due to a small typeface. Also, not all information is relevant or, strictly speaking, correct (e.g. "item is not on loan" even when there is an active request).

   We would like to see a larger font in general, or, if this is not feasible, at least the requester's name in bold typeface. This would add a much needed visual cue for staff processing returns.

   The bullet point about the item not being on loan could be supressed as it offers no relevant information at this stage.

   Similar ideas:
   https://ideas.exlibrisgroup.com/forums/308173-alma/suggestions/49531262-usability-issues-with-the-new-circ-ui?
   https://ideas.exlibrisgroup.com/forums/308173-alma/suggestions/49843755-configure-return-pop-up-notes

   When managing return items in Alma: information in the pop-up on subsequent steps in the process is difficult to read due to a small typeface. Also, not all information is relevant or, strictly speaking, correct (e.g. "item is not on loan" even when there is an active request).

   We would like to see a larger font in general, or, if this is not feasible, at least the requester's name in bold typeface. This would add a much needed visual cue for staff processing returns.

   The bullet point about the item not being on loan could be supressed as… more

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   1 comment  ·  Fulfillment - Loans  ·  Delete…  ·  Admin →
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2. Enable 'School' address to be used for Personal Delivery

   Currently, only addresses of the 'Home' and 'Office' Address Types can be used for Personal Delivery. Consequently, we can't use Personal Delivery and have to rely on a local workaround instead.

   We would like to see 'School' addresses usable for Personal Delivery, with options in the Request Terms of Use to enable us to show only the Address Types that we use and therefore that we want our users to be able to see. E.g. we use 'Home' and 'School' but not 'Office', so we don't want our users to be able to choose that option.

   Also, when the request comes through into Alma, it would be helpful for the relevant address that the user has selected to be visible as part of the request information - but not the other Address Types that the user hasn't selected.

   Currently, only addresses of the 'Home' and 'Office' Address Types can be used for Personal Delivery. Consequently, we can't use Personal Delivery and have to rely on a local workaround instead.

   We would like to see 'School' addresses usable for Personal Delivery, with options in the Request Terms of Use to enable us to show only the Address Types that we use and therefore that we want our users to be able to see. E.g. we use 'Home' and 'School' but not 'Office', so we don't want our users to be able to choose that option.

   Also, when the request… more

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   2 comments  ·  Fulfillment - Requests  ·  Delete…  ·  Admin →
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3. Pop-up note when patron has something on the hold shelf

   When scanning the patron's barcode or searching for a patron in Manage Patron Services, can a pop-up notification be configured to alert staff that there are items held for the patron on the hold shelf?

   Currently, you have to look at the User Notes section on the right hand corner of the screen and it's gray text that does not draw attention. You can also look in the request tab if it is dog-eared but it will display all requests statuses; not just when an item is on shelf ready for pick up.

   Since patrons don't always check their email and let staff know that there is an item at the library to be picked up- staff can miss items that are on the hold shelf to check out to patrons when they are visiting to borrow other materials. An alert to check the hold shelf would be very helpful to staff. Our older ILS, Aleph had this so I don't understand why Alma does not.

   When scanning the patron's barcode or searching for a patron in Manage Patron Services, can a pop-up notification be configured to alert staff that there are items held for the patron on the hold shelf?

   Currently, you have to look at the User Notes section on the right hand corner of the screen and it's gray text that does not draw attention. You can also look in the request tab if it is dog-eared but it will display all requests statuses; not just when an item is on shelf ready for pick up.

   Since patrons don't always check their… more

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   7 comments  ·  Fulfillment - General  ·  Delete…  ·  Admin →
   Completed  ·  AdminErez Shabo (Senior Product Owner, Ex Libris) responded

   Now in Alma introducing a redesigned Manage Patron Services UI to leverage new layout capabilities to support a more streamlined workflow at the circulation desk.

   For more information on working with the new circulation desk see Managing Patron Services - New Layout.

4. Usability issues with the New Circ UI

   1. When processing items from a cart, if they are scanned at Return items and the item is a Ship physically item, the new UI just brings up the item and in small letters says Next Step - System - and the library its to go to. It also says not on loan (which in this case is not helpful, because there is an active request). The system "ships" the item, but doesn't tell you that it did and in order to print the shipping slip staff have to go back to the lending queue and find it.
   2. We believe if the system wants to help you and ship the item because there is a request, it should a) Say clearly that it shipped the item b) Provide a quick way to print the slip c) Make that Route to next step message the main pop-up so the person processing knows there is a request on it and routes it to the right place.

   1. When processing items from a cart, if they are scanned at Return items and the item is a Ship physically item, the new UI just brings up the item and in small letters says Next Step - System - and the library its to go to. It also says not on loan (which in this case is not helpful, because there is an active request). The system "ships" the item, but doesn't tell you that it did and in order to print the shipping slip staff have to go back to the lending queue and find it.
   2. We believe… more
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   1 comment  ·  Fulfillment - Requests  ·  Delete…  ·  Admin →
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5. Change default of Automatic Print Slip from No to Yes in Alma RS

   When we are processing Lending Requests, we prefer to send the Shipping Slip with every item we loan/email. The information on the slips helps the requesting library to receive the item as it has their External Identifier, their address details, information regarding their request etc.

   We would like to have the Automatic Print Slip default change from No to Yes. Can it be made as a default of Yes?

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   Completed  ·  1 comment  ·  Resource Sharing  ·  Delete…  ·  Admin →

6. Daily quota of ISO-ILL Lending requests

   We would like to determine a daily quota of ISO-ILL Lending requests, like with RapidILL.
   Ideally, Alma would automatically reject requests beyond the quota and send them to other ISO Partners.

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   1 comment  ·  Resource Sharing  ·  Delete…  ·  Admin →
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7. Less Scan In operations

   Despite the fact that Work Orders (WO) can be linked to a Circulation Desk, working with Work Order Departments and Circulation Desks in a same session can still cause many Scan In operations for the staff.

   There might be indeed several scan-in operations before an item becomes finally indicated as available (on shelf) on Alma/Primo. This is particularly the case for smaller libraries or library branches when most of the operations are made in the front office, at the library desk itself.

   We would like to reduce the number of scan-in operations so that for example at the end of an acquisition WO (receiving process fully completed) or when a digitization request has been completed (email sent to requester), the item becomes automatically available again (on shelf) without scanning in again the item (under Fulfillment > Resource Requests > Scan In Items). This option should be configurable at the library level (not at the institution one); this would allow flexibility in working with Work Orders for libraries and could significantly reduce the number of Scan In actions at a same desk.

   Despite the fact that Work Orders (WO) can be linked to a Circulation Desk, working with Work Order Departments and Circulation Desks in a same session can still cause many Scan In operations for the staff.

   There might be indeed several scan-in operations before an item becomes finally indicated as available (on shelf) on Alma/Primo. This is particularly the case for smaller libraries or library branches when most of the operations are made in the front office, at the library desk itself.

   We would like to reduce the number of scan-in operations so that for example at the end of… more

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   10 comments  ·  Other  ·  Delete…  ·  Admin →
   Completed  ·  Dana Moshkovits responded

   As part of the November release you can now set relation rules between libraries so that transit for reshelving will not be required between certain libraries, departments, and circulation desks. This reduces redundant work effort by not automatically putting items in transit for reshelving when the libraries are close to each other. This does not affect other transit types, such as hold shelf, work order, and processing.
   A new link, Reshelve Without Transit Rules, is now available in the Fulfillment configuration menu. By default, a rule is created with no input parameter and an output parameter set to false to maintain current functionality.

   for more information see: https://knowledge.exlibrisgroup.com/Alma/Product_Documentation/010Alma_Online_Help_(English)/030Fulfillment/080Configuring_Fulfillment/020Library?mt-draft=true#Configuring_Reshelve_Without_Transit_Rules

8. Override patron physical item request Limit

   There is a Max. physical item requests in Patron Limits.
   However there doesn't appear to be an ability to allow staff to override this limit, which from time to time they need to do.
   I propose that there is a parameter that allows staff with a particular role the ability to override this limit.

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   0 comments  ·  Fulfillment - Requests  ·  Edit…  ·  Delete…  ·  Admin →
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9. Alma User Role for Editing/Deleting only Quick-Cataloged Records

   Scenario:
   Library staff frequently need to create records for resources using the Quick Cataloging feature. Often, those records need to be edited after creation, due to mismatching resource types, updated information, operator input errors, etc. Most of the staff using the Quick Cataloging feature are not trained as catalogers, and do not have cataloging roles in Alma.

   Problem:
   Quick-Cataloged records are not editable by staff without cataloging roles in Alma - who are frequently the creators/managers of these records. This has led to several different workarounds at various institutions:

   Some institutions have given their non-cataloging staff full cataloging permissions to mitigate the inability of Reserves and ILL staff roles to delete and edit bibs. Those non-cataloging staff then have privileges that allow editing of full records, Network Zone records, etc. These activities should be restricted to staff trained in cataloging.

   At other institutions, cataloging privileges are only extended to staff in technical services. This requires an inefficient workflow between access services and technical services to correct mistakes or delete records created in error.

   Request:
   We would like to request an Alma user role that allows the deletion and update of Quick-Cataloged records only.

   This new role would reduce the number of users with full cataloging privileges and increase both data security and compliance with auditing requirements for institutions that give circulation staff cataloging roles so that they can edit these Quick-Cataloged records.

   For institutions that restrict cataloging roles to trained catalogers, having such a role would allow them to streamline workflows for editing Quick-Cataloged records, and free up the time of their cataloging staff to focus on more specialized materials.

   Scenario:
   Library staff frequently need to create records for resources using the Quick Cataloging feature. Often, those records need to be edited after creation, due to mismatching resource types, updated information, operator input errors, etc. Most of the staff using the Quick Cataloging feature are not trained as catalogers, and do not have cataloging roles in Alma.

   Problem:
   Quick-Cataloged records are not editable by staff without cataloging roles in Alma - who are frequently the creators/managers of these records. This has led to several different workarounds at various institutions:

   Some institutions have given their non-cataloging staff full cataloging permissions to… more

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   0 comments  ·  Resource Management - General  ·  Delete…  ·  Admin →
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10. Prevent users from submitting borrowing request when no Resource Sharing items are available

    Currently, when users click the resource sharing button and there are no items available to loan in the consortia (e.g., there is only one copy in the system and it's checked out or located in a non-lending resource sharing / unavailable location (e.g., reserve), users are shown a message that no items are available, BUT they can still click the 'submit' button on the request.

    Would it be possible to prevent users from placing the Resource Sharing Request? I've attached an example of an item that cannot be filled through the resource sharing network because it's on reserve at another institution. While the calculated availability shows no items available, I can still technically submit the request form, which results in an immediate cancellation. It would be better if when calculated availability shows no items, the 'REQUEST' button is greyed out / cannot be clicked, and/or have some mechanism to tell users they should try another options (e.g., show users the another configured ILL link).

    Currently, when users click the resource sharing button and there are no items available to loan in the consortia (e.g., there is only one copy in the system and it's checked out or located in a non-lending resource sharing / unavailable location (e.g., reserve), users are shown a message that no items are available, BUT they can still click the 'submit' button on the request.

    Would it be possible to prevent users from placing the Resource Sharing Request? I've attached an example of an item that cannot be filled through the resource sharing network because it's on reserve… more

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    1 comment  ·  Resource Sharing  ·  Delete…  ·  Admin →
    Closed  ·  AdminMoshe Shechter (Alma Senior Product Manager, Ex Libris) responded

    The system allows placing a request because it may still be able to fulfill the request by forwarding to a broker system, such as ILLiad. The indication on the form is only about known consortial potential lenders. There may still be an option to fulfill the request via a broker, if you configure one.

11. An in process/holding status in Resource sharing lending

    We would like to see a status called 'In Process' created for Lending.

    There are often times when you need to contact a requesting library to confirm details. However as there is no applicable status to change the request to it risks being worked on by another individual if we leave it in unassigned.

    We could assign the item to ourselves however, if someone else receives the response or if the staff member concerned is away then the request gets held up longer because its not accessible. Ultimately you end up with double handling and it becomes a very inefficient process. Both in staff time and in the time it takes to get the book to the requesting library.

    Having an 'In process' status would indicate the item was worked on and is waiting for a response. It would also mean we could check on it frequently to ensure the request isn't forgotten about.

    We would like to see a status called 'In Process' created for Lending.

    There are often times when you need to contact a requesting library to confirm details. However as there is no applicable status to change the request to it risks being worked on by another individual if we leave it in unassigned.

    We could assign the item to ourselves however, if someone else receives the response or if the staff member concerned is away then the request gets held up longer because its not accessible. Ultimately you end up with double handling and it becomes a very… more

    9 votes

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    2 comments  ·  Resource Sharing  ·  Delete…  ·  Admin →
    Closed  ·  AdminErez Shabo (Senior Product Owner, Ex Libris) responded

    Hello All,

    This idea has been closed as part of a cleanup process for ideas older than two years with fewer than 20 votes.

    This cleanup process is necessary to streamline our idea management process and ensure that the most relevant and impactful ideas receive the attention they deserve. If you still feel strongly about this idea, you may submit it via the NERS process.

    We value your feedback and encourage you to continue submitting and voting for ideas that you believe will enhance Alma.

    Alma Product Team

12. Possibility for turning off Auto-Assigning in task list when opening or editing an item without completing the task in the Alma Config.

    When working in several different task-lists in Alma, you are automatically assigned to any Item that you open and/or edit and exit out of without completing the task. This applies to items in the Purchase Request, Invoices (in Review) and Electronic Activation Task list and more.

    This may be perfectly logical for certain institutions' workflows, but for others it may be cumbersome to have this across all task lists.

    It would be great to have the ability to turn this auto-assigning on or off for the different task lists in the Alma Configuration so that people could open/edit and close an item (without completing the task) and still keep it in the Unassigned tab.

    When working in several different task-lists in Alma, you are automatically assigned to any Item that you open and/or edit and exit out of without completing the task. This applies to items in the Purchase Request, Invoices (in Review) and Electronic Activation Task list and more.

    This may be perfectly logical for certain institutions' workflows, but for others it may be cumbersome to have this across all task lists.

    It would be great to have the ability to turn this auto-assigning on or off for the different task lists in the Alma Configuration so that people could open/edit and… more

    50 votes

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    0 comments  ·  Acquisitions - General  ·  Delete…  ·  Admin →
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13. Confirmation Notice for Curbside Bookings

    Alma has allowed for the Booking Request feature to be set-up and modified as a means to provide curbisde service or make appointments. However, it appears that no letter exists to confirm the appointment day/time with the user, which would be most helpful in providing user instructions, cancellation information, contact numbers, etc. I propose that this letter be added to enhance communication and expectations especially during this challenging time of changing services and delivery options. Thank you!

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    1 comment  ·  Fulfillment - Requests  ·  Delete…  ·  Admin →
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14. Make citation information mandatory in digitization requests

    The patron form for digitization does not make page numbers, or any citation information mandatory. This would be helpful for patrons who do not provide complete information.

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    2 comments  ·  Fulfillment - Requests  ·  Delete…  ·  Admin →
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15. Renewing resource sharing requests

    When changing the date in the borrowing side, we then have to manually change again in manage patron services. It would be great if we could just amend the date once and this information is carried across.

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    2 comments  ·  Resource Sharing  ·  Delete…  ·  Admin →
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16. Add Electronic Collection Information to the Bib Record Enrichment Fields in the OAI Publishing Profile

    Problem - Database type electronic collections are not getting published to Blacklight in the OAI publishing job. So bibliographic records that have database type electronic collection inventory attached, display as records without inventory in the catalog.

    Situation as described by Ex Libris - The OAI publishing profile is designed to publish the BIB record plus the enrichment fields. The Collection enrichment in the profile is for the Digital Collection, not the Electronic collection. The descriptive BIB record does not have Electronic collection as its inventory, the inventory is only Physical/Electronic/Digital. Adding Electronic Collection to the descriptive BIBs would be an enhancement request.

    Please add electronic collection to the collection enrichment in the OAI publishing Profile.

    Problem - Database type electronic collections are not getting published to Blacklight in the OAI publishing job. So bibliographic records that have database type electronic collection inventory attached, display as records without inventory in the catalog.

    Situation as described by Ex Libris - The OAI publishing profile is designed to publish the BIB record plus the enrichment fields. The Collection enrichment in the profile is for the Digital Collection, not the Electronic collection. The descriptive BIB record does not have Electronic collection as its inventory, the inventory is only Physical/Electronic/Digital. Adding Electronic Collection to the descriptive BIBs would be an… more

    49 votes

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    2 comments  ·  Resource Management - Electronic  ·  Delete…  ·  Admin →
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17. We need better options for configuring renewals relating to physical item requests and recalls

    We would like to be able to disallow renewals on material that is currently checked out when someone else places a request on that material without that being tied to recalls. We would like to use the 'Not Renewable – Item has Request(s)' option in the Block Preferences configuration, which we can't do at the moment because of our current recall configuration (no recalls).

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    1 comment  ·  Fulfillment - General  ·  Delete…  ·  Admin →
    Closed  ·  AdminErez Shabo (Senior Product Owner, Ex Libris) responded

    Hello All,

    This idea has been closed as part of a cleanup process for ideas older than two years with fewer than 20 votes.

    This cleanup process is necessary to streamline our idea management process and ensure that the most relevant and impactful ideas receive the attention they deserve. If you still feel strongly about this idea, you may submit it via the NERS process.

    We value your feedback and encourage you to continue submitting and voting for ideas that you believe will enhance Alma.

    Alma Product Team

18. Add Cancellation Reason field to Borrowing Requests and Lending Requests areas

    The field is already included in the Requests area.

    11 votes

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    1 comment  ·  Analytics  ·  Delete…  ·  Admin →
    Closed  ·  AdminErez Shabo (Senior Product Owner, Ex Libris) responded

    Hello All,

    This idea has been closed as part of a cleanup process for ideas older than two years with fewer than 20 votes.

    This cleanup process is necessary to streamline our idea management process and ensure that the most relevant and impactful ideas receive the attention they deserve. If you still feel strongly about this idea, you may submit it via the NERS process.

    We value your feedback and encourage you to continue submitting and voting for ideas that you believe will enhance Alma.

    Alma Product Team

19. Add Functionality to the Scan In Function in the Alma App

    Staff at Boston College are conducting a collection inventory using laptops to process items while logged into the full version of Alma. The laptops have proven unwieldy and to address this we have tried deploying iPad's for the work. However we ran into issues with bar-code scanning and the way that Alma presents its user interface on mobile devices.

    We were very excited to hear that Ex Libris had launched an Alma Mobile App. The interface is greatly improved on mobile devices, and we are able to successfully scan bar-codes during our testing using our bluetooth scanners. We were however disappointed by the limited functionality. In order to take advantage of the app for inventory purposes, the Scan In Items area needs to be enhanced to include the option to adjust the 'Change Type' to one of the following:

    Permanent
    Temporary
    Restore

    Thank you for considering this request. It would make a huge difference to our inventory process.

    Staff at Boston College are conducting a collection inventory using laptops to process items while logged into the full version of Alma. The laptops have proven unwieldy and to address this we have tried deploying iPad's for the work. However we ran into issues with bar-code scanning and the way that Alma presents its user interface on mobile devices.

    We were very excited to hear that Ex Libris had launched an Alma Mobile App. The interface is greatly improved on mobile devices, and we are able to successfully scan bar-codes during our testing using our bluetooth scanners. We were however… more

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    200 votes

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20. New institutional number sequence, or reset Additional ID, to shorten hold shelf pickup number

    In the April 2019 RN the feature "Additional ID for Hold Request Management" became available and it has been very useful for our library, especially since we have an open hold shelf and need anonymized hold shelf slips. By the end of 2022 we noticed that the number sequence wasn't reset when it reached 999-999-999 like we expected it to. Instead new numbers are added and we've been told that it will just continue to add new numbers and never reset. Very long serial numbers are not user-friendly, neither for the staff, nor for the patron.

    To prevent long numbers, we would like to have a separate number sequence for each institution, with the opportunity to reset the numbers locally (for example annually). If this is not possible, we would like the existing number sequence to reset at 999-999-999 and start again at 000-000-001 for the whole Alma system.

    In the April 2019 RN the feature "Additional ID for Hold Request Management" became available and it has been very useful for our library, especially since we have an open hold shelf and need anonymized hold shelf slips. By the end of 2022 we noticed that the number sequence wasn't reset when it reached 999-999-999 like we expected it to. Instead new numbers are added and we've been told that it will just continue to add new numbers and never reset. Very long serial numbers are not user-friendly, neither for the staff, nor for the patron.

    To prevent long numbers,… more

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    1 comment  ·  Fulfillment - General  ·  Delete…  ·  Admin →
    Closed  ·  AdminMoshe Shechter (Alma Senior Product Manager, Ex Libris) responded

    The Additional ID is generated by a  third party software component which we have no control of.