New Library System: Background

As part of OhioLINK, Ohio's academic library consortium, the Columbus State Library updated its 30-year-old shared systems software to Ex Libris Alma. This Library Services Platform (LSP) is the backbone of day-to-day library operations and supports library business decisions. Alma covers our catalog, circulation, and management of physical, electronic, and digital materials.

Alma is the most-used LSP in U.S. academic libraries, with more than 65% of Association of Research Libraries, and comes with a suite of applications. As of June 11th, 2025, the Columbus State Library's new system is live. Benefits of the library migration include

• a more intuitive user experience, including a mobile app
• expanded search capabilities, personalization, and tracking of requests
• improved access to curated collections of electronic and print materials
• cloud-based software with automatic updates
• heightened technological stability and security
• future integration with Blackboard to better connect students to library materials and OERs
• Better management of e-resources, a growing part of our library's collection

In addition to the library's migration to Alma, the library unveiled a new library website for more seamless searching and increased access to various resources and library materials.