Ex Libris Delivers the Third Partner Release of the Alma Library Management Service ( ****************************************************************************************** * Ex Libris Delivers the Third Partner Release of the Alma Library Management Service ****************************************************************************************** This installment of the cloud-based service advances Alma's development partnership and ea programs. Jerusalem, Israel—May 4, 2011. Ex Libris® Group, a world leader in the provision of librar solutions, is pleased to announce that the third installment of the Alma library managemen available to development partners. Released on schedule, the third release is being deploy the Ex Libris cloud environment and represents a milestone on the road to the solution’s g planned for early 2012.   Highlights of this third partner release include the following: ·         Advanced integration with the library’s discovery layer ·         Support for multiple cataloging formats ·         Complete acquisition workflows, from ordering to invoicing and receiving ·         Workflows for user-driven digitization on demand ·         Support for e-resources standing order and the ability to activate selected titl of resources ·         Role-based user dashboards   Like all Ex Libris solutions, the features for this release were defined in close collabor development partners—Boston College; Princeton University Library; Purdue University Libra Leuven, which includes the LIBIS library network. The development partners’ in-depth feedb two installments, along with their experience using the current release, will enable Ex Li and streamline Alma’s handling of the full spectrum of library workflows.  “I am very pleased to continue the close collaboration with our development partners,” not vice president of resource management solutions at Ex Libris. “With this third partner rel reached a stage that allows us to engage with institutions that are looking into becoming We are currently launching regional early adopter programs for North America and Europe, a launch a similar program for Australia and New Zealand in 2012.”   *========================================================================================= * Alma Early Adopter and Collaborative Programs *========================================================================================= As the development of Alma has progressed, Ex Libris has begun coordinating a number of co partner programs, including focus groups, regional early adopters, and targeted working gr of a series of activities in preparation for the general release of Alma, Ex Libris will b “readiness” workshops throughout 2011. The first workshops are planned for Ex Libris collaborative partners in Australia and New University; Swinburne University of Technology; the University of Western Sydney; a South consortium consisting of Flinders University, the University of Adelaide, and the Universi Australia; and UNILINC, a consortium of academic libraries that includes The Australian Ca University, Charles Sturt University and Southern Cross University. These workshops will h institutions gain an understanding of the Alma workflows, the implications for the librari processes, and the benefits that the institutions can reap from this next-generation libra service. Ian McBain, university librarian at Flinders University, commented: “We joined the Alma Co Partnership Program as the best possible path to a new-generation library system that woul respond quickly to changing needs and opportunities. The positive way in which Ex Libris i the development partners and the impressive progress that has been made in the development that our high expectations will be met. We look forward to the opportunities that implemen software will create for us.” “UWS is pleased to be involved in this exciting project,” remarked Liz Curach, university University of Western Sydney. “Alma will greatly enhance the student discovery experience significant workflow efficiencies. The collaboration of Ex Libris with Australian partners regional priorities will be incorporated in this next-generation library management servic   *========================================================================================= * About Alma *========================================================================================= By consolidating the disparate systems used by today’s libraries to manage electronic, pri resources, the Ex Libris Alma solution accelerates libraries' move toward next-generation cloud infrastructure helps libraries increase their efficiency through data sharing and co result, libraries can focus their resources on extending services within and outside the i supporting the institution’s teaching and research missions.   *========================================================================================= * About Ex Libris *========================================================================================= Ex Libris is a leading provider of automation solutions for academic libraries. Offering t comprehensive product suite for electronic, digital, and print materials, Ex Libris provid user-friendly products that serve the needs of libraries today and will facilitate their t the future. Ex Libris maintains an impressive customer base consisting of thousands of sit than 80 countries on six continents. Dedicated to developing creative solutions in close c with customers, Ex Libris enables academic, national, and research libraries to maximize p efficiency and, at the same time, greatly enhance the user experience. By empowering users and obtain the information they need, libraries ensure their position as the bridge to kno information about Ex Libris Group, see our Web site [ URL "http://www.exlibrisgroup.com/"] Facebook [ URL "http://www.facebook.com/pages/ex-libris-group/139588499407697"] , visit ou [ URL "http://commentary.exlibrisgroup.com/"] blog, and follow our Twitter [ URL "http://t exlibrisgroup"] page.