2025 EBSCO User Group

At the end of the pandemic, Thompson Rivers University Library discovered that some of the temporary processes we developed during the interim were not just beneficial, but also invaluable. For instance, we found that the EDS system modifications, initially used for touchless delivery, continued to add significant value for holds and after-hours pick-ups. The pandemic encouraged us to concentrate on and evaluate core library functions. Similarly, we used critical evaluation of our processes to inform our migration to Folio.
We will discuss:
How we are simplifying its circulation system by reducing the number of item types, loan rules, and patron types.
Why we will be selective in our use of new patron empowerment features in the EDS.
Why a system migration is an excellent opportunity to streamline library processes and to examine what a library can do.
Why examining fines and loan periods before the migration is essential during the migration. Addressing complex or difficult questions before the upgrade allows you to spend more time training staff and fine-tuning the configuration during the migration.

After months of planning and training our consortium went live on FOLIO in May of 2024. In this session an Assistant Library Director, Cataloger Librarian, and Acquisitions Librarian will share the decisions and preparations that had to be made before the migration, new workflows that were created, and all the “little things” we weren’t expecting to navigate but made it through. Focus will be on preparation of the catalog data, training, folio apps: inventory, users, permissions, lists, finance, orders, receiving, and settings. Most of all we will share why even through the chaos we are happy with where we are now.

Pam Childers, the System & Web Librarian at Jackson Library, Indiana Wesleyan University, chose to collaborate with EBSCO FOLIO to enhance their integrated library system (ILS). This decision was motivated by the need for a flexible, open-source platform that could adapt to the evolving needs of the academic community. FOLIO's modular architecture and robust infrastructure effectively managed collections, circulation, and user interactions. Additionally, the partnership with EBSCO facilitated seamless integration and support, improving the overall experience for staff and patrons. This presentation will discuss the factors that influenced the decision, the implementation process, and the benefits realized, offering valuable insights for other libraries considering a similar transition.

Join Zorislav Plantak from Andrews University as he shares comprehensive insights from James White Library's transformative journey with the FOLIO library management system, alongside key EBSCO services such as Panorama and Bibliograph. These tools have collectively redefined how the library manages resources, analyzes data, and supports scholarly research, positioning the institution at the forefront of library innovation. Drawing on a year of hands-on experience, Zorislav will explore the significant successes achieved, from improved workflows to enhanced user satisfaction, highlighting specific examples that have made a tangible impact. The discussion will also address the challenges encountered during this period, including technical hurdles, staff training, and user adoption, and how these obstacles were overcome. By examining the lessons learned through this implementation, attendees will gain valuable perspectives on effective strategies for navigating similar transitions in their own institutions. This presentation aims to provide practical takeaways, focusing on both the operational advancements and the areas where further growth is needed, making it an essential session for libraries pursuing modernization.

When it comes to libraries in the University System of Georgia (USG), we tend to do things together and that ranges from small institutions, comprehensive regional universities, to the big R1s like University of Georgia. This isn’t our first rodeo with a large consortial migration. We did it in 2017 with Alma, 2019 with OpenAthens, and in 2025 all USG libraries will migrate to FOLIO. This presentation will focus on how these libraries and GALILEO work together to share knowledge and create a cohesive shared bibliographic environment.

In August 2024, Emporia State University successfully migrated from Sierra/EZproxy to FOLIO/OpenAthens while simultaneously upgrading to the new Discovery Search platform. Join us to learn about the preparation and migration process, along with valuable insights and best practices for ensuring a smooth and successful transition to FOLIO and OpenAthens.

How does a consortium of 60+ libraries based on a shared ILS platform and a resource sharing system handle disruptive change? Perhaps more importantly, why would you do this in the first place? In many ways it is like turning a battleship. Also, many of these new and essential products are either in development (Locate and OpenRS) or are architecturally new (FOLIO ECS) so providing feedback and testing is all part of the mix. Large, diverse, and geographically dispersed, how do you help lead your membership on his new adventure, so they engage with you throughout the process, so they feel like they have an ownership interest in its success? Come and learn from us on what went right, what went wrong, and what we would do differently during our 2-year odyssey into the brave, new world of open-source software.