Usability Improvements

User Interface Improvements Overview

Beginning with the May 2020 release, Ex Libris is undertaking a usability improvement initiative to facilitate an enhanced user experience across Alma navigation and in the Metadata Editor. This initiative is a result of cooperation with Alma working groups and response to wider community feedback.  

The new features in the user interface help facilitate a smoother, user-friendly interaction with Alma while providing more control over the Alma layout and navigation options. The new layout allows to easily switch between the ongoing tasks in your main workflow and any peripheral tasks. New customization options enable the personalization of the menu and creation of your own quick-link options.

Resource Sharing Task Lists

The Resource Sharing task lists (borrower and lender) has been redesigned and implemented with new layout capabilities. This greatly improves the efficiency of resource sharing request handling on both the borrower and the lender side for all types of requests.

The redesign is done with a  number of concepts in mind:

• Right pane work area that allows inline editing of the in focus request without requiring to navigate to a separate edit form and lose the context of the request list that is being processed.

• Multiple facet selection supports a more flexible tool for creating your work set, by including requests that  meet multiple criteria of the same facet in one work set.

• Inline handling of note and patron queries in a right pane. This makes these important information elements more noticeable when reviewing the request list as well as makes it easier to add and edit notes to the processed requests.

• Easier search across requests in multiple activity statuses and across assignee responsibilities by handling the request status and assignee information as facets that support multiple selection rather than by filters.

• Sliding panel enables full work on requests without losing the requests list context.

Unified PO Line Task List

Alma's new PO line search results and management screen allows users to search, view and edit PO lines in all statuses without the need to go to a dedicated task list. The unification of all PO lines tasks lists will result in several main differences and advantages:

• Task list as facets- The presentation of the various assignment options as facets (Unassigned, Assigned to me, Assigned to others) will allow users to search for PO lines and immediately work on it (without the extra step of "Go to task list").
• Multi-select facets - Ability to select multiple facets in a single operation will assist Acquisitions staff focus on the PO line/s efficiently 
• Clearer information hierarchy - A cleared and more prominent information hierarchy of the PO line search results will enable Acquisitions staff users reviewing the the PO line's search result list to find what they need faster and with less navigation needs
• "Side -By-Side" presentation - Viewing/Editing PO line information without the need to specifically enter a new screen for each PO line enables users to complete their tasks faster with less navigational needs, fir example, searching for a list of PO lines by invoice number will allow users to view the full list of PO lines associated with the invoice, efficiently go over the PO line information, make modifications (if needed) and review the next PO line associated with the invoice.
• "Slide-Out" panel for extra information - When viewing/editing a PO line and navigating to a different Acquisitions entity (vendor information for example), a "slide-out" panel will overlay the screen providing the user with a single page application experience and a clear sense of oriantation.  

Metadata Editor

The latest evolution of the Alma Metadata Editor brings greater efficiency to processes, making them faster and simpler. The interface can be tailored to each user, depending on the user's level and type of expertise (original catalogers, copy catalogers, and light catalogers). The new streamlined workflows save time and improve productivity, with better management and search performance across the Alma platform.

The new Metadata Editor provides a flexible working space for managing records and files in the following functional areas:

• Records - Create and edit records across different formats such as MARC21 bibliographic records, Authorities records, and holdings 
• Templates - Manage templates for different formats and types of resources, enabling better cataloging
• Rules - Managing private and shared normalization, merge, indication, and brief record-level rules created by you or others.

To switch to the new Metadata Editor in Alma, select  on the top-right of the top toolbar of the Editor.

New Layout

Starting from the June 2020 release, users can experience a new layout for Alma.

The new layout increases the user working area, improves navigation, provides the ability to customize the menu and facilitates improved user dynamic workflows. 

The main changes:

• The Main menu moved from the header to the left side. In addition, a new customizable Quick Links icon is available.
• The Persistent search bar moved to the header.
• The summary section on all pages moved from the top to a right-side panel.

How Can You Provide Feedback?

Your feedback is most welcome for these new features, especially while trying them in the Sandbox environment.

• If you encounter an issue, please Open a case via the Support Portal. Indicate in the title that the case refers to the new feature.

For example "New Metadata Editor - when opening a record the title is cut ..."

See Support Portal User Guide and What information should be provided when opening a Case?

It is recommended to make the case public. For more information on making a case public, click here.

• For any suggestions on improvements or additional capabilities, please submit to the Idea Exchange with the relevant category.

See How can I request new collections to be added to our Discovery Indexes, KnowledgeBases and the Alma Community Zone? 

Known Issues

For information about Metadata Editor known issues, click here.