What is Alma/Primo VE?
Answer
As a member of the OhioLINK library consortium, the Columbus State Library will upgrade its library system software to Ex Libris Alma and Primo VE, going live in summer 2025. Alma is a state of the art library systems software and the most-used library system in U.S. academic libraries. More than 65% of Association of Research Libraries use Alma.
This cloud-based, enterprise system software is the backbone of day-to-day library operations (acquisitions, cataloging, circulation, etc.), and generates the underlying data that drives library business decisions and reporting.
Primo VE is the “discovery” interface that students, faculty, and other library patrons use to find (and access) information in the library’s collection. Its user-friendly interactions will be more intuitive and similar to today’s consumer products.
We think you’ll be pleased with this upgrade. In late 2025 and early 2026, we will be rolling out other applications as part of the same system package, including one that links the library to our LMS to manage course reading lists!