Migrating from Sierra to Alma after decades in our legacy system was a challenging transition, particularly for acquisitions and e resource records. In the initial months post migration, we rigorously tested Alma's acquisitions functionalities—EDI, order processing, invoice management, and record imports—by adjusting settings and monitoring results. Unexpectedly, vendor unpreparedness with setup information complicated the process, leaving us to identify the right questions for establishing FTP connections, correcting fields and formats, and more. Ensuring the accurate setup of e-resources in the Community Zone involved identifying and verifying correct database configurations through extended communication and testing. Our presentation will share insights and practical tips gleaned from our experience to aid institutions in their Alma migrations. Let our journey guide you in navigating the complexities of Alma acquisitions, enhancing your readiness for future migrations in our ever-changing library landscape.
Acquisitions Insights for New Users
Alma
Identify Key Questions for Vendor Communication: Participants will learn which critical questions to ask vendors, particularly related to setting up FTP connections, configuring fields, and ensuring accurate data formats.
Strategize and Prioritize Accurate Setup of Purchased Collections in Alma: Attendees will gain practical strategies for accurately setting up purchased e-resource collections in Alma, including prioritizing essential collections and ensuring correct database configurations within the Alma Community Zone through targeted communication and testing.
Develop Efficient Workflows for Future System Migrations: By drawing on practical tips and lessons from our transition to Alma, participants will be equipped to design and implement workflows and checkpoints for acquisitions and e-resource management, ensuring a smoother adaptation to new systems and processes in their evolving library environments.
May 01, 2026 12:00 Noon - 12:45 PM(America/Los_Angeles)
Venue : Silver Lake
20260501T120020260501T1245America/Los_AngelesAdapting with Alma: Acquisitions Insights from New Users for New UsersMigrating from Sierra to Alma after decades in our legacy system was a challenging transition, particularly for acquisitions and e resource records. In the initial months post migration, we rigorously tested Alma's acquisitions functionalities—EDI, order processing, invoice management, and record imports—by adjusting settings and monitoring results. Unexpectedly, vendor unpreparedness with setup information complicated the process, leaving us to identify the right questions for establishing FTP connections, correcting fields and formats, and more. Ensuring the accurate setup of e-resources in the Community Zone involved identifying and verifying correct database configurations through extended communication and testing. Our presentation will share insights and practical tips gleaned from our experience to aid institutions in their Alma migrations. Let our journey guide you in navigating the complexities of Alma acquisitions, enhancing your readiness for future migrations in our ever-changing library landscape.Silver LakeEx Libris Knowledge Days and ELUNA Conference 2026eluna-conf-planning@exlibrisusers.org
