An Experience Sharing of Alma Implementation in National Chengchi University Libraries

Abstract

As libraries' needs and information services complicatedly evolve, more and more libraries are eager to migrate from traditional Integrated Library Systems (ILS) to the next generation of Library Services Platforms. Based on the differences of library's collection size, service objects, human resource, patrons and technology infrastructure, the library management system migration process would be a huge and complex project. Even though each migration process comes with challenges that are unique to the library and systems involved, there are still some general guidelines and strategies shared. This paper is a report of National Chengchi University Libraries' experiences for migrating from Innovative Interfaces, Inc.'s Millennium to Ex Libris' Alma. Three stages of migration process (pre-migration, test migration, and cutover) were introduced in chronological order. In conclusion, we discussed the main tasks, key events, migration tools, problems, strategies and suggestions, etc. These lessons and experiences will be recommended as references for those libraries planning to carry out cloud-base library service platform migration.

Keywords

• system migration
• library service platform
• cloud-based ils
• academic library