Primo
Your feedback matters to us. Help us improve Primo by telling us what you’d like to see using the message areas below. You can also can support something already posted.
We would love to be able to respond to every idea that is submitted, but this is not feasible. We are, however, committed to responding to the most popular ideas—those that have received the most points.
For more information please review our FAQ and guidelines. Thank you.
- or
2 results found
-
Include the item barcode as part of the data published from Alma to Primo in the AVA field to improve item search in Primo
Request for Alma item barcode be included in the data that is published to Primo as part of the Alma publishing functionality to enable barcode searchability in the Primo keyword search. We have discovered that items migrated from our previous ILS do contain the item barcode(s) in the MARC 945 $$i and is written to the search:general field of the PNX. As such, those items are keyword searchable via their barcode in Primo. However, for items created in Alma, the item barcode is not written to the bib record and is therefore not searchable in Primo. Adding the item barcode manually to the bib 945$$i for each item as part of our processing is not a viable alternative.
We would like an enhancement to Alma publishing that would add the item barcode to the data published in the "AVA" field. This functionality would improve workflow for staff when they need to search a record in Primo without having to navigate out of the items screen in Alma to retrieve the OCLC number, the MMSID or the ISBN, or to pull up the record in Primo when the book is in-hand without needing to key in the title or ISBN.
Examples of migrated records with the item barcode in the 945 $$i:
http://alliance-primo.hosted.exlibrisgroup.com/CC:cc_alma:CP71153242760001
http://alliance-primo.hosted.exlibrisgroup.com/CC:cc_alma:CP71188416360001451Request for Alma item barcode be included in the data that is published to Primo as part of the Alma publishing functionality to enable barcode searchability in the Primo keyword search. We have discovered that items migrated from our previous ILS do contain the item barcode(s) in the MARC 945 $$i and is written to the search:general field of the PNX. As such, those items are keyword searchable via their barcode in Primo. However, for items created in Alma, the item barcode is not written to the bib record and is therefore not searchable in Primo. Adding the item barcode…
468 votes -
Less duplicate records in Primo Central Index results
Primo Central grouping is based on the existing FRBR workflow, including the grouping process at the database level (the way the Search engine handles grouping) and the Front End functionality. It is used to prevent duplicate records in the results list.
Unfortunately, many records are not added to FRBR groups because the system considers the metadata are not rich enough. With the increase of records provided by (Open Access) aggregators and repositories, the number of duplicate records will certainly not decrease.
Could Ex Libris improve the FRBR workflow for Primo Central records in order to reduce the number of duplicate results and consolidate the FRBR groups?
Examples of duplicate records:
Accuracy of prediction of gene content in large animal populations and its use for candidate gene detection and genetic evaluation
3 results (2 FRBR groups):
- TNproquest195858157 and TNfaoagrisUS201300875183
- TNcrossref10.3168/jds.2007-0231, TNscopus2-s2.0-42449094585, TNsciversesciencedirectelsevierS0022-0302(08)71293-1, TNmedline18349258
- TNorbi2268/23076Linguistic symbiosis between event loop actors and threads
2 results (1 FRBR group):
- TNsciversesciencedirectelsevierS1477-8424(08)00024-9
- TNscopus2-s2.0-51649125887 and TNcrossref10.1016/j.cl.2008.06.005Efficient control of transient wave forms to prevent spreading depolarizations
2 results (1 FRBR group):
- TNarxiv0705.3398
- TNscopus2-s2.0-39649117125, TNsciversesciencedirectelsevierS0022-5193(07)00579-6, TNcrossref10.1016/j.jtbi.2007.11.019, TNmedline18177900Le traitement de la modalité épistémique dans les traductions françaises de On the Origin of Species de Charles Darwin
3 results:
- TNerudit1038687ar
- TNscopus2-s2.0-85017546223
- TN_proquest1870219718Primo Central grouping is based on the existing FRBR workflow, including the grouping process at the database level (the way the Search engine handles grouping) and the Front End functionality. It is used to prevent duplicate records in the results list.
Unfortunately, many records are not added to FRBR groups because the system considers the metadata are not rich enough. With the increase of records provided by (Open Access) aggregators and repositories, the number of duplicate records will certainly not decrease.
Could Ex Libris improve the FRBR workflow for Primo Central records in order to reduce the number of duplicate
…203 votesHi all,
We are moving this idea to "Closed" to release your votes, as it is no longer relevant with CDI.
Best regards,
Yael.
1161 results found
-
Remove CDI constant expansion of results
PCI results respect that a user knows what they want, but help with expansion when necessary, such as by stemming when there are very few results returned by the exact query. A user has autonomy also to target their results with techniques such as quotation marks, Boolean operators, and Advanced Search.
In CDI, expansion is constant, by term inflection applied to all searches, as well as higher recall in general by design. This cannot be prevented by features such as Boolean operators, quotation marks or Advanced Search, and is illogical in conjunction with other features like 'Did you mean'.
Note: It is recognized that these may represent different underlying mechanisms, but it is the user outcome which is key.Ex Libris states that CDI behaviour "does not affect precision" because of Verbatim Match Boost, which will rank more highly the exact search query, but they have designed this as also meaning "near verbatim", completely undermining this concept.
Use case: If a user searches for ATLA, then they expect only results for ATLA and not atlas. CDI returns 7 of 10 first page results which are clearly returned on the basis of atlas by term highlighting, even at No.1, and yet also offers a "Did you mean: atlas", which barely changes the results when clicked.
Use case: If a user searches for a DOI, then they expect only that specific resource. CDI returns dozens of results with often no indication by term highlighting or snippets to explain why. This is discovered only after a timeconsuming check on the full text to be because the DOI is in the Reference List. There is no clear pathway to the actually correct known item, and this is not consistently fixed just by ranking changes. For example, if we do not hold that article in full text, the user sees dozens of results, none of which are correct, instead of the expected pathway of the Zero results message, using the expansion checkbox, and then leveraging the metadata in the 'No full-text' citation to prefill an ILL form.
This is the opposite of precision.
The design should centre the user and the needs they directly express when entering their search query, allowing the choice to both target their search by the techniques above, as well as giving the option of expanding their search, which is even more important given the larger CDI index.
One option could be returning the expected targeted results matching the user query, and then offering a suggestion similar to a clickable Did you mean or Controlled Vocabulary features, such as: "Results also referencing [query]"PCI results respect that a user knows what they want, but help with expansion when necessary, such as by stemming when there are very few results returned by the exact query. A user has autonomy also to target their results with techniques such as quotation marks, Boolean operators, and Advanced Search.
In CDI, expansion is constant, by term inflection applied to all searches, as well as higher recall in general by design. This cannot be prevented by features such as Boolean operators, quotation marks or Advanced Search, and is illogical in conjunction with other features like 'Did you mean'.
Note:…763 votesThis improvement is planned for the 2024 Roadmap.
-
Library Card page
I think it would more user-focused if the "Library Card" dashboard listed all of the requests and loans in one spot, regardless of the lending library. Many users are unaware of which library they've requested an item through - it would be nice if there was only one dashboard for patrons to check on the status of everything in one spot.
756 votesHi all,
We would like to update that this is planned to be developed in the Primo Next Discovery Experience User Interface.
More details on the new interface plans can be found here -
Therefore we are changing the status of this idea to "Planned".
Best regards,
Yael.
-
Display related holdings for monographs only for the 773 $w relation and not for the 8xx $w relation
When filtering to a certain location via facets, you often get results from other locations too, which is unexpected from patrons perspective in many cases. This is caused by the current related records setting which is also taking locations with related records into account. The display is correct for analytical records without inventory (book chapters and articles), but not for the other monographical resources.
What we wish to achieve is the following:
When the record of a book chapter, journal issue or journal article (i.e. a record containing a 773 field with $w) is viewed in Primo, the holding of the record linked via 773 $w is displayed.
When records contain a series link (8xx $w) or a related record (76x/77x/78x $w - exception: 773), we do wish to display a link to the related record (via system number), but not the related holding.
Right now, the configuration does not offer the needed flexibility.
When filtering to a certain location via facets, you often get results from other locations too, which is unexpected from patrons perspective in many cases. This is caused by the current related records setting which is also taking locations with related records into account. The display is correct for analytical records without inventory (book chapters and articles), but not for the other monographical resources.
What we wish to achieve is the following:
When the record of a book chapter, journal issue or journal article (i.e. a record containing a 773 field with $w) is viewed in Primo, the holding of…
656 votesHi all,
We are currently reviewing this idea together with Alma.
We will update with any new information we have.
Best regards,
Yael.
-
Possibillity to add print journal holdings to Primo holdings-file
In Primo only the electronic holdings for e-books and e-journals are taken into consideration when determining the availability for a record/article from the central index (PCI/CDI).
The libraries also have print/physical holdings of journals that can fulfill the needs of the end-user and that can fill gaps in the electronic coverage. If the user search for an article that the library only has as part of the physical journal holdings the availability of the article are set to "Not available" and dependig on the configuration the article might not even show up in the result-list.
This has been adressed in another Idea:
https://ideas.exlibrisgroup.com/forums/308176-primo/suggestions/19965871-physical-holdings-should-be-considered-in-determinThis idea has the status of "Already supported", but it is only supported by Primo VE and in my opinion (based on the comment from Ex Libris) does not completely solve the intention of the idea.
I understand that it might be difficult to automatically extract the correct coverage based on the existing data for the print journals.
I therefore ask that Ex Libris provides an option/function in Alma to either upload a file in a given format with the coverage of print journals, or some other way to structure the coverage of a print journal. I believe that this was an option in SFX earlier.
This information must then be added to the Primo holdings file and be used to determine the availablity of an article for the central index.
This must be supported for all Primo versions and not only Primo VE.
In Primo only the electronic holdings for e-books and e-journals are taken into consideration when determining the availability for a record/article from the central index (PCI/CDI).
The libraries also have print/physical holdings of journals that can fulfill the needs of the end-user and that can fill gaps in the electronic coverage. If the user search for an article that the library only has as part of the physical journal holdings the availability of the article are set to "Not available" and dependig on the configuration the article might not even show up in the result-list.
This has been adressed in…
642 votes -
Filter journal holdings that can fulfill the request for an article
If an user has found an article that is not available electronic, but the library has the journal in print, the end user gets the list of holdings for the journal and can go into a specific holding to see the items.
In general we would like that when the end user has found an article they should only need to click on Request (or Digitize) and all relevant metadata are sent to Alma and the system selects the correct item to fulfill the request. If locate is not possible the librarian has enough information to work on the request.
The end-user are on the article level while the system are on the journal/issue level.
The end-user gets a lot of items and need to find the correct item either using the drop-downs or the navigational buttons. Not very user friendly. Could it be made easier to display the items that might fulfill the request by preselecting based on the metadata in the record?
This sceanrio are described in this screen-recording:
https://cloud.bibsys.no/index.php/s/XWASfMFpqbmFYpKIf there are no items to fulfill the request or the end user gives up finding the right item the Request a different issue option should contain more metadata that is sent to the library. This issue are adressed in this idea:
https://ideas.exlibrisgroup.com/forums/308173-alma/suggestions/36901999-improvements-to-request-form-when-article-is-not-aIf an user has found an article that is not available electronic, but the library has the journal in print, the end user gets the list of holdings for the journal and can go into a specific holding to see the items.
In general we would like that when the end user has found an article they should only need to click on Request (or Digitize) and all relevant metadata are sent to Alma and the system selects the correct item to fulfill the request. If locate is not possible the librarian has enough information to work on the request.
…
619 votesHi all,
Thank you for this suggestion.
We would like to update that this suggestion is not included in the near Primo roadmap, however we do see this suggestion's value for the long term and we are willing to include it in a future roadmap.
Therefore we are moving this idea to "Accepted" status.
Best regards,
Yael.
-
Enable search and browse also for item call numbers, not only holdings
Hi
We switched to Primo VE some months ago and are really missing a call number index that shows all our call numbers, in items as well as in holdings.
https://slidetodoc.com/three-types-of-call-numbers-in-alma-yoel
"Item Call Number – is it in Primo VE search indexes?
• The item call number cannot be added as a Primo VE search index.
• Of the three call numbers only the “Holding Call Number” can be added as a Primo VE search index."Our call number index is set to "callnumber.4 – Shelving control number call number", our item call numbers are type 4, but they are missing in the call number index.
https://basel.swisscovery.org/discovery/browse?vid=41SLSP_UBS:live
Examples:
https://slsp-ubs.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/41SLSP_UBS/mmbbsj/alma9920741170105504
No hit in call number index search for
UBH Bc I 50
UBH Bc I 51
UBH Bc I 52
https://basel.swisscovery.org/permalink/41SLSP_UBS/mmbbsj/alma9910081250105504
Can not be found in the call number index under UBH AL VII 42:1993
We know that it can be done in Alma (see screenshot), but we need the function also in Primo.
In addition to the index search, please also index the item call numbers for simple and advanced search.
Hi
We switched to Primo VE some months ago and are really missing a call number index that shows all our call numbers, in items as well as in holdings.
https://slidetodoc.com/three-types-of-call-numbers-in-alma-yoel
"Item Call Number – is it in Primo VE search indexes?
• The item call number cannot be added as a Primo VE search index.
• Of the three call numbers only the “Holding Call Number” can be added as a Primo VE search index."Our call number index is set to "callnumber.4 – Shelving control number call number", our item call numbers are type 4, but they are…
515 votes -
Improve indexing of in press articles in CDI
The Central Discovery Index (CDI) includes many in press articles (i.e., articles that have been accepted for publication in a future issue). However, because these records do lack a pub date, volume, or issue number, the Alma link resolver cannot reliably determine whether an institution has access to these articles. We ask that Ex Libris improve they way in press articles are indexed in CDI so that the link resolver does not return false positives for content the library does not actually own.
483 votesThis improvement is planned for the 2024 Roadmap.
-
Allow reader to sort the values in a facet by A-Z or by number of records.
Most databases such as Web of Science or Ebsco Discovery tool allow the user to determine how to sort the values in a facet (see screenshot)
425 votes -
Primo VE: Allow Exclusion of Institution Zone only records from Discovery Network/NZ Scope
In consortial environments, the Network Scope includes Institution Zone only records such as laptops, keys, etc.
We would like the capability to exclude IZ only records from a Discovery Network scope so that we can display only records that are NZ bibs, not local IZ with no NZ bibs.
424 votes -
Ability to edit the OTB (Out-of-the-Box) search and facet rules in Primo VE
We would like to be able to edit the OTB search and facet rules. This is necessary for parity with PBO. There are several things that we were able to do in PBO that we cannot reproduce in VE because of the lack of this functionality. In the PBO OTB author search and facet, we were able to include dates and qualifiers from names in the LCNAF, which improved precision. In the OTB language facet, we were able to include intertitle, caption and audio description languages, which are not currently included in the VE OTB index. On the other hand, we excluded languages of accompanying material, which are currently included in the VE OTB language index. We were able to limit the OTB subject facet to specific vocabularies, such as LCSH. This improved the usefulness of the subject facet because it removed near duplicates and non-English headings. This meant that users got a more helpful variety of terms within the top twenty facets. For subjects, ideally we would be able to do different things with the OTB search index and the OTB facet index, as was possible in PBO. In PBO, we included a larger number of vocabularies in the search index than we did in the facet index.
We would like to be able to edit the OTB search and facet rules. This is necessary for parity with PBO. There are several things that we were able to do in PBO that we cannot reproduce in VE because of the lack of this functionality. In the PBO OTB author search and facet, we were able to include dates and qualifiers from names in the LCNAF, which improved precision. In the OTB language facet, we were able to include intertitle, caption and audio description languages, which are not currently included in the VE OTB index. On the other hand,…
396 votes -
Improve Primo Search Algorithms
When our users look for a book in the Primo Search Portal they expect that the Primo Search behaves like a Google Search, i.e. they expect that Primo finds books with titles or metadata containing words similar to those in their query. Unfortunately, the Primo Search is very sensitive to the exact spelling of the words in the query. If the search query is slightly inaccurate, the book is not found in Primo. I tried such unsuccessful search queries on www.amazon.de, and Amazon usually found the correct book: Amazon showed the correct hit on top of the list (see attachment). This shows that the search algorithms of Amazon are clearly superior to those of Primo. I feel that Ex Libris should take steps to keep up with modern search technologies.
Some, but not all, of Primo’s shortcomings seem rather easy to fix. Primo fails to take word flexions in non-English languages into account. Since the endings of German words not only depend on plural and singular but also on the context, Primo’s search results for German queries are overly sensitive to word flexions. However, some of the English examples indicate that improving Primo’s dictionaries will not be sufficient. Over the long term, ExLibris may consider to team up with a specialized search provider.Similar proposals in ExLibris idea exchange
https://ideas.exlibrisgroup.com/forums/308176-primo/suggestions/37586617-increase-primo-search-capability-to-support-major
https://ideas.exlibrisgroup.com/forums/564566-summon/suggestions/17415091-automatically-searching-for-the-corrected-spellingWhen our users look for a book in the Primo Search Portal they expect that the Primo Search behaves like a Google Search, i.e. they expect that Primo finds books with titles or metadata containing words similar to those in their query. Unfortunately, the Primo Search is very sensitive to the exact spelling of the words in the query. If the search query is slightly inaccurate, the book is not found in Primo. I tried such unsuccessful search queries on www.amazon.de, and Amazon usually found the correct book: Amazon showed the correct hit on top of the list (see…
390 votes -
Primo VE: Ability to use norm rules to specify which 856 (Marc) fields display in Links service
In Primo Back Office (BO), it is possible to use normalization rules to specify which 856 Marc fields display in the "Links" section of the Primo full record view. (See attached screenshot.)
We would like the same functionality in Primo VE to choose which 856 links to display based on the 856 first and second indicators and/or the subfields of the 856 field. Thank you.
345 votesHi all,
This is to update that we plan to develop this option in the future. It is not in the current roadmap for this year, and we will update as soon as we have more details about the development planning.
Best regards,
Yael.
-
Search Slot/Scope/Profile Usage in Primo Analytics
We would like to be able to report the total number of searches that have been performed in each search/slot/scope/profile that we have configured in Primo. Currently the only report in Analytics that has Search Scope search information is the Zero Results Report.
This information will provide invaluable information about our user behaviour and will help us in the customization of the Primo interface to meet the needs of our clients by assisting in decisions regarding adding or removing search profiles/scopes.
336 votes -
Make consistent the use of CDI record data in Primo UI
Current CDI design in Primo UI is to expose metadata from all participant records for both returning results from a search query, and in the values presented for selection in facet for filtering results, but the display of metadata within records is only by site-specific activations.
This means that a user can search for a term in Primo, have results returned on the basis of that term, select the value for the term in a facet, but then not see the term in the record display.The negative impact of this design decision includes:
* a user is confused by the Primo results list, as there is no indication as to why results were returned, even when the user has specifically targeted data such as an Advanced Search by a specific subject that is then nowhere to be found in the records displayed
* a user can't effectively filter results by facets, because when they do so and look at the records, they can see no relationship between their actions and the resulting records
* a user can't take advantage of lateral links, to generate an Advanced Search query of all the entries for the search term to expand their initial results set, such as all records in a specific subject, because there is no lateral link displayed in the record
* a user is missing key data when exporting by RIS to EndNote, RefWorks, BibTex etc, such as keywords not included, as well as this information not being included in other Send to options of Export to Excel, Print, and EmailEx Libris design should be reviewed and made holistic and meaningful, to either:
1. Hide all the data ie if data is hidden from display, it should also be hidden from search and facets (and any other elements)
2. Show all the data ie if data is used in search and facets, then it should also be shown in displayCurrent CDI design in Primo UI is to expose metadata from all participant records for both returning results from a search query, and in the values presented for selection in facet for filtering results, but the display of metadata within records is only by site-specific activations.
This means that a user can search for a term in Primo, have results returned on the basis of that term, select the value for the term in a facet, but then not see the term in the record display.The negative impact of this design decision includes:
* a user is confused by…317 votes -
course reserve
Course Reserves:
Requested Enhancement: Offer interface with drop-down menus for Course Title, Course Department, and Course Instructor (similar to drop-down menus in Voyager)Currently users can search for course reserves, but there is not a good mechanism to browse. Offering drop-down menus would easily allow users to see what was currently on course reserve by course title, department and instructor.
Thank you for considering
304 votes -
Visualization of Analytical Bibliographic Data in PrimoVE.: Correct Sorting of Parts
A multi-part resource (eg: a sketchbook containing 200 drawings) is catalogued in MARC 773 (host/item relationship). PrimoVE ought to sort and display the component parts using $$g and $$q. Currently PrimoVE fails to do this in the correct numerical order. Rather, the presentation is alphabetical which is useless for component-items organized by their part or page number. There was a recent ideas exchange issue raised on this very topic, which was “solved” by providing the aforementioned “alphabetical solution”. However, a NUMERICAL visualization has much more value in Discovery for patrons who are interested in locating an item as part of a host (the drawing on page number 12 of a sketch book, for example). This is a frequent and conventional library requirement for example in Special Collections communities, as it reflects accurately the sequential order within an actual work or a manifestation.
Currently (SEE SCREENSHOT BELOW) the user sees this rather wild presentation in PrimoVE (the resource is the sketch-book of 200 drawings cited above).Another example from the world of monographs is a collection of Brecht’s works: currently looking like this in PrimoVE:
https://basel.swisscovery.org/permalink/41SLSP_UBS/1hbnn2v/alma993707790105504
The publisher’s website displays the correct sequence:
I do not consider this request an “enhancement” feature, rather a basic library requirement, dating back to the traditional card-catalogue-era.
Many thanks.
A multi-part resource (eg: a sketchbook containing 200 drawings) is catalogued in MARC 773 (host/item relationship). PrimoVE ought to sort and display the component parts using $$g and $$q. Currently PrimoVE fails to do this in the correct numerical order. Rather, the presentation is alphabetical which is useless for component-items organized by their part or page number. There was a recent ideas exchange issue raised on this very topic, which was “solved” by providing the aforementioned “alphabetical solution”. However, a NUMERICAL visualization has much more value in Discovery for patrons who are interested in locating an item as part of…
305 votes -
Do Not Highlight Stop Words in the Results of a Keyword Search
There is no value to highlighting words in the search results of a keyword search that were considered STOP words when the search was conducted.
Words such as AND, THE, OR, IN, TO, etc., provide no value on their own and should not be highlighted. Not only does highlighting them add visual noise to the search results, it sends the wrong message to users about how to construct a strong search string.
As the screenshot shows, the highlighting is only adding noise.
299 votes -
Primo VE: Ability to search by publisher (advanced search or facet)
The MARC 260b + 264b field is not included in the out-of-the-box indexing in Primo VE advanced search or facet as PUBLISHER. According to the documentation the publisher name is searchable only by general in the simple search and not in the advanced search, specific search for the publisher name. Readers want to limit the results by the name of the publisher.
295 votes -
Allow libraries to configure the Brief Record Display with more flexibility
In the brief and full display pages, libraries can display information contained in data fields (such as the title, author, and creation date) from the source record. This information helps users to differentiate records quickly. In some cases, there can be a lot of information that is displayed. This is particularly the case when Contributor is added: all 7XX fields are added, and in their entirety (see for example in the attached screenshot).
We would like an option that would allow the library to either limit the number of fields to display (for example max 3 7XX fields) or to only display fields based on the content of some subfields (for example: only display 7XX where $$e equals 'editor', 'publishing director ', 'translator', 'Director', 'film director'...).
In the brief and full display pages, libraries can display information contained in data fields (such as the title, author, and creation date) from the source record. This information helps users to differentiate records quickly. In some cases, there can be a lot of information that is displayed. This is particularly the case when Contributor is added: all 7XX fields are added, and in their entirety (see for example in the attached screenshot).
We would like an option that would allow the library to either limit the number of fields to display (for example max 3 7XX fields) or to…
275 votes -
Can Ex_libris work with publishers to enable OA articles in hybrid journals to be discoverable ?
Currently if we do not subscribe to a journal (normally a hybrid OA titles) which has open access articles the article access is not discoverable as available during a search of Primo - is there any way to identify these articles as being available ?
269 votes
- Don't see your idea?