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

How Does This Change Impact Me?

Search Interface and Library My Account

The Library Services Platform (LSP) project will update the Library’s search interface and Library Account, changing how you find and access resources, as well as manage your interactions with the Library. We’ve consulted with the Student Library Advisory Committee and will continue gathering student feedback on key user impact decisions. Usability testing with end users will take place both before and after go-live to ensure continuous improvement. The new interfaces will be more intuitive, user-friendly, and accessible, making it easier to find materials, access content, and navigate various resources, all with the goal of enhancing your overall experience. These changes are ongoing, and more focused communication and detailed information will be shared as it becomes available.

Permalink Change

A permalink is a persistent URL that provides direct access to library resources, including full-text articles and catalog records. After July 16, permalinks from the current search interface will no longer be valid. To avoid manual updates in syllabi and reading lists, faculty can use Talis Aspire, which integrates with Canvas and updates automatically. For non-course materials (e.g., bookmarks, LibGuides, web pages) or if faculty choose not to use Talis Aspire, permalinks must be updated manually after the system launch. Updates will be sent via Academic Digest and faculty communication channels, with detailed instructions and an FAQ available on the library website.

Changes to NEOS Shared Borrowing

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.

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 (see currently known dates of departure)
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.

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:

Date Library / Service
January 8, 2024 Alberta Health Services and Covenant Libraries (exit completed)
September 2, 2024 Northern Lakes College Library (exit completed)
November 12, 2024 MacEwan University Library (exit completed)
March 1, 2025 Change to Library holdings in EBSCO Discovery System (EDS) EDS searches ~300 article databases and the Library Catalogue. Only UAlberta Library Catalogue holdings will be found in EDS as of March 1.
March 3, 2025 Newman Theological College