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Bridging Systems, Strengthening Collaboration: Lessons from BLC’s Opt-In Cohort Model for Network Zone Implementation

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Session Information

The Boston Library Consortium (BLC) recently completed a distinctive Network Zone implementation in which five of its 26 members migrated together as an initial opt-in cohort. This group included both institutions already using Alma/Primo and those entirely new to the platform, creating a mix of systems and prior experiences that introduced unique challenges, complexities, and opportunities. Throughout the process, both the participating libraries and Ex Libris staff collaborated closely to navigate these dynamics and bring the project to fruition. This presentation will provide valuable insights for other consortia considering Network Zone implementations, particularly those involving members with diverse expertise, technical backgrounds, and library systems. We will discuss effective strategies for communication among libraries and with Ex Libris, approaches to ensuring a smooth and successful implementation, and our plans for ongoing support and the phased expansion of the Network Zone to future cohorts of BLC members.

Alma, Primo, Ex Libris Technology & Platform Services
None - General Audience
Learn how to plan and execute a Network Zone implementation when a consortium has a mix of Alma and non-Alma institutions.
Understand the challenges and opportunities of introducing a Network Zone into a consortium without a history of shared systems, and the critical role of central staff in managing this change.
Jun 20, 2025 11:00 AM - 11:45 AM(America/New_York)
Venue : International 3
20250620T1100 20250620T1145 America/New_York Bridging Systems, Strengthening Collaboration: Lessons from BLC’s Opt-In Cohort Model for Network Zone Implementation

The Boston Library Consortium (BLC) recently completed a distinctive Network Zone implementation in which five of its 26 members migrated together as an initial opt-in cohort. This group included both institutions already using Alma/Primo and those entirely new to the platform, creating a mix of systems and prior experiences that introduced unique challenges, complexities, and opportunities. Throughout the process, both the participating libraries and Ex Libris staff collaborated closely to navigate these dynamics and bring the project to fruition. This presentation will provide valuable insights for other consortia considering Network Zone implementations, particularly those involving members with diverse expertise, technical backgrounds, and library systems. We will discuss effective strategies for communication among libraries and with Ex Libris, approaches to ensuring a smooth and successful implementation, and our plans for ongoing support and the phased expansion of the Network Zone to future cohorts of BLC members.

International 3 Ex Libris Knowledge Days and ELUNA Conference 2025 eluna-conf-planning@exlibrisusers.org
65 visits

Session Participants

Online
Session speakers, moderators & attendees
Director of Library Collections, Access & Discovery
,
Connecticut College
Head of Collection Development, Analysis, and Strategy
,
University of Vermont
Executive Director
,
Boston Library Consortium
 Ted Schwitzner
Senior Library Services Coordinator
,
CARLI (Consortium Of Academic And Research Libraries In Illinois)
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