June 26, 2015

The California State University has selected Ex Libris to provide a Unified Library Management System (ULMS), a next-generation library services platform and discovery system that will bring together the library functions of all 23 campuses.

By adopting the ULMS, the CSU libraries will gain a shared system that will support greater collaboration in developing, managing, and analyzing its various collections. It will also provide more streamlined workflows, particularly in the management of electronic subscriptions.

“Ex Libris provides a compelling vision for the future and strengths in consortial operations and resource management that will enable the CSU libraries to create new services that will greatly impact learning and research,” said Brandon Dudley, ULMS Project Director.

The migration and implementation will take place over the next two years.

Currently, each campus uses three to five different systems to manage and provide access to its various collections, many of which don’t integrate well with each other or with systems at other campuses.

In addition to helping faculty and students find what they need more efficiently, the ULMS will give the CSU the ability to analyze how the collections are used, data that is critical when negotiating with publishers.

The ULMS will also make research easier for users and ensure equity across the campuses, said Gerry Hanley, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Academic Technology Services at the CSU.

“Every student, faculty and staff needs equally successful and powerful library services, whether you’re on a big campus or a small campus,” Hanley said.

“It’s an exciting time for the CSU libraries,” Dudley said. “We will be able to collaborate in new ways to provide quality services for all in the CSU.”