Library Services Platform Migration

In July 2025, the University of Alberta Library will introduce a new way for our students, faculty and staff to search and find library resources.

For decades, we have collaborated with the NEOS Consortium to maintain a shared catalogue, enabling the exchange of resources, collections, and processes. However, due to evolving technology and other factors, this arrangement is no longer sustainable. To stay current with technological advancements and better serve our patrons, the University of Alberta Library is transitioning to a new generation of library software, which will allow us to:

  • Enhance access to University of Alberta Library materials
  • Expand the discoverability of and access to library collections
  • Offer features aligned with a modern technological experience
  • Present print and electronic formats in a user-friendly manner
  • Explore new ways of sharing resources and collaborating in the future

Changes to NEOS Shared Borrowing

There will be some additional changes as we move through our implementation project. The most immediate is the departure of several NEOS libraries from the shared catalogue. As we move to the new system, NEOS libraries, such as MacEwan, will be leaving our shared catalogue.

When a NEOS library leaves our shared catalogue:

  • Their items will no longer show in catalogue search results. Any holds placed on items from these libraries will be cancelled.
  • Checked out items from these libraries will not be renewable and will need to be returned by the due date.
  • If you wish to access items from these libraries, please request them through our Interlibrary Loan service, or recommend a purchase (CCID required) for the University of Alberta Library.
  • These library locations will be removed from our system, so you will not be able to use them as a general pickup location for your holds.

When will libraries exit the shared catalogue?

Below, we will post the dates of when libraries will leave the shared catalogue as they become available. Here are dates we currently know about:

  • January 8, 2024: Alberta Health Services and Covenant Libraries (exit completed)
  • September 2, 2024: Northern Lakes College Library (exit completed)
  • November 22, 2024: MacEwan University Library (upcoming soon)

If you have any questions or concerns about the items you have borrowed or access to those collections, please Ask Us.

Project Timeline

There will be impacts to our users as we prepare to switch systems, and although we will try to minimize disruptions, some are inevitable.

Timeframe Activities
Now - June 2025 NEOS member libraries depart from the shared catalogue
January 2025 - April 2025 Testing phase for our new system
May 2025 - June 2025 Finalizing the new system including beta version and user feedback
End of June 2025 to Go Live Library borrowing, My Account and Interlibrary loans may be offline for a period of time
July 2025 TBD Go-Live
July 2025 and Ongoing Post-implementation feedback

Feedback regarding this project can be sent to liblsp@ualberta.ca.