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University Libraries to implement open-source library services system
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In June 2023, the University Libraries will move to a new Library Services Platform (LSP) called FOLIO. (Why we chose FOLIO) The Law Library will also adopt this new LSP.

This move requires a major system migration and will impact all aspects of our work within the Libraries. You'll notice some changes as well. 

The migration will take place beginning at 12 p.m. on June 16 and continue through June 19.

Starting in May and going through the rest of the calendar year, there will be some short-term and longer-term impacts on our services, summarized in the “Key Dates” box on this page. Here are some highlights to be aware of:

  • We must pause access to the Prospector borrowing service. We expect to resume Prospector borrowing in Spring 2024. 
  • Beginning on June 14, some online library catalog services will not be available until the migration is complete on June 19.
  • We will transition to a new Library Catalog in mid-June. 
  • The current Library Catalog will be retired. If you have saved checkout history information or lists and wish to retain that information, you’ll need to download it by June 15 (see instructions). 

The scope of this project means that you might experience slight slowdowns in services and response times as we move through the various stages of this migration. We appreciate your understanding and are working hard to minimize the impact on you and your work.

Why we are doing this 

This migration will move us to a more modern software that will result in cost savings, increase workflow efficiencies and allow us to adopt an open source platform. (More on open source and why we support it)

This project aligns with the Libraries’ strategic plan to support technologies that are open, interoperable, universally designed, and prioritize user privacy. 

A new Library Catalog

Our Library Catalog will change as part of our transition to FOLIO. The new Library Catalog is mobile-friendly, faster and you’ll notice a new look and feel. While some features and functions may work a bit differently, the new Library Catalog provides all the same account services you’re used to – searching for our materials, placing holds, renewals, reviewing your checked out items.

We are adopting VuFind, an open-source, FOLIO-compatible catalog platform, designed by libraries for libraries. VuFind is widely used by libraries across the world including the University of Chicago, Michigan State University and Texas A&M University.

A beta version of the new Library Catalog is available now. Please take a moment to try it out and tell us what you think.

Try the new Library Catalog (beta)

The Library Services Platform (LSP): FOLIO 

The most essential of all technologies in a library, the LSP enables critical aspects of our services for researchers and learners: ordering materials, checking out books, placing holds on items, managing electronic resources and more. In academic libraries, these systems are large, complex, customized for each institution - and also costly because there are very few commercial providers globally. 

FOLIO is an open source tool being developed by an innovative collaboration of libraries, developers, and vendors. The modular design and extensibility of the platform allow libraries to choose components and workflows that they desire and not be forced to work with a bundled set of services. CU Boulder has actively supported this effort since 2017 when it became a member of the Open Libraries Environment. We became a FOLIO Community Partner Library and committed to utilizing the FOLIO LSP in 2021. Over the course of the 2021-23 academic years, we have been working to transition to FOLIO (detailed development timeline). As part of this project, we debuted the new OneSearch last summer.

The importance of open source software

Because the FOLIO software is open source, there is a robust community of libraries that are supporting it. As part of this coalition, we have a seat at a table with our peers, where we have the opportunity to guide the development of FOLIO and ensure it meets our needs. We can pool our resources and expertise to solve problems, improve and add functionality.

Our partners in the FOLIO Community include institutions worldwide:

  • University of Alabama
  • Auburn University
  • Caltech
  • Chalmers University of Technology
  • University of Chicago
  • Cornell University
  • Duke University
  • University of Glasgow
  • Michigan State University
  • Stanford University
  • Texas A&M University
  • Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
  • University of the West Indies

How to export saved checkout history & list information

  1. Login to your library account.
  2. Click on the “View Your Checkout History” button to export items from your checkout history

    or the “My Lists” button to export list items
    • For Lists: Click on the name of the list you’d like to export items from.
  3. Click on the “Export Reading History” button

    or “Export My Lists” button.
  4. You will see a screen with a list of format options and sending options.
    • For most reference software (Zotero, EndNote) you will want to download your list/reading history as End-Note/RefWorks. If you do not use reference software use Full or Brief Display.
    • To email your export use the email option. To view your option as an HTML file use the screen option. To download the file use the local disk option.
  5. Click Submit.
    • If you are uploading to reference software, you will want to Import the File as RIS. Other file types might work as well, depending on your software.