Alma 2023 Release Notes
Release: Main Features
ACRL and IPEDS Dashboard
Idea ExchangeURM-191962A new dashboard is now available that assists you in obtaining the information that you need to submit to ACRL and IPEDS. The dashboard is located under Alma > Shared Folders > Industry Standard Reports.
The dashboard has the following tabs that you can use to provide you with information for various reports, as required by ACRL and IPEDS:
- Library Staff
- Library Expenses
- Library Collections Number of Titles (Physical)
- Library Collections Number of Titles (Electronic) – applies to digital resources as well
- Library Collections Volume Count
- Library Circulation
- Interlibrary Loan Services
- Student Enrollment
Select the filters you require in each tab to produce the relevant data.
Create Analytics Objects from Network Reports Folder
Members of a Network Zone can now create analytics objects and create itemized sets from reports located in the network folder. The folder now appears when creating new analytics objects and when creating itemized sets from analytics:
To access this feature, the following parameters must be set to true:
- For the Network: analytics_catalog_available_for_members
- For the member: analytics_catalog_available_for_my_institution
Anonymization of Notes in Requests and Other Records
At times, personal information is entered into the Notes attached to requests and other records related to patrons. Alma's anonymization feature has therefore been expanded to make it possible to delete Notes as well as other patron information from closed loans, fines and fees, requests, and resource-sharing requests. Institutions can configure the anonymization job (Fulfillment - Handle Historical Archiving) to remove Notes from any or all of these sources. For additional information, see Configuring Fulfillment Jobs.
Option for Items Returned from Reading Rooms to Be Restored to Permanent Locations Immediately
A new option in the configuration of a reading-room circulation desk, Restore from reading room at checkin, makes it possible for items that have been temporarily moved to reading rooms to appear in Alma and in Primo as being restored to their permanent locations as soon as they are checked in for final return at the reading rooms. When this option is not selected, these items are only restored to their permanent locations when they are checked in at those destinations. The terms of use (TOU) of these items are set in accordance with their current locations, so this setting affects the time at which the TOU revert to their permanent settings, including the levels of fees and fines. For additional information, see Configuring Circulation Desks.
Additional Optional Fields Can Be Added to Resource-Sharing Task Lists
New optional fields are now available for inclusion in the rows of resource-sharing task lists in the New Layout.
The following optional fields can now be added:
| Lending Request Task Lists | Borrowing Request Task Lists | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Column 1
|
Column 2
|
Column 1
|
Column 2
|
These fields are hidden by default. You can choose which fields to include in your task-list displays, and where in the record display they should appear, thereby improving the visibility of those fields that are most important to you. To do so, in the task-list page, open the Customization menu (), and then select User customization > Record customization. For additional information, see New Layout 2022.
Borrowing Requests with "Ready to Be Sent" Status in Tasks List
May 2023 Fulfillment - Resource Sharing 
NERS Enhancement (ID #7934)URM-171534
The Tasks list of Borrowing Requests now includes links for borrowing requests that have the status Ready to be sent ("unassigned" and "assigned to me"). For additional information, see The Alma User Interface.
New Layout for Resource-Sharing Task Lists Is Now the Exclusive Option
The New Layout of Alma task lists is now the only available interface for the Borrowing Requests and the Lending Requests task lists. Users can no longer opt-out of this layout and use the previous layout.
The main new features of the new layout are:
- Details pane: A work area can be opened in a pane on the right side of the request list. This makes it possible to edit most aspects of the request without losing sight of the request list, and also speeds up the editing process.
- Multiple facet selection: Multiple criteria can be selected in each facet category, providing more flexibility in the creation of a filtered request list.
- Streamlined access to notes and patron queries: Notes and patron queries can be seen, added, and edited in the new right pane. This makes these important elements more noticeable and easier to manage when reviewing the request list or processing requests.
- Status and assignee information as facets: Activity status and assignee information are facet categories, enabling searching for requests by specifying multiple activity statuses and a number of specific assignees.
- Sliding panel: When access to the full request form, with all of its tabs, is required, it opens in a panel that "slides" out from the right side of the right panel, only partially covering the task list. This enables work on all aspects of the request without losing sight of the request-list context.
Enhanced Notes Section in Resource-Sharing Task Lists
The Notes section that appears in the Details pane of the resource-sharing task lists has been enhanced. It now provides an additional display mode, List layout mode, in addition to the Notes layout mode, which was previously available. The new layout mode supports searching within and sorting of the existing notes, as well as an alternative view of the notes themselves. To switch between the modes, select an option at the top of the section (
). For additional information, see New Layout 2022.
Unused Labels Automatically Removed from Resource-Sharing Task Lists
Idea ExchangeURM-176590
Labels in resource-sharing task lists that are not attached to any records are now automatically removed from the list of available labels. This clears unnecessary clutter, making it easier to work with the list of labels. For additional information, see New Layout 2022.
Ship Digitally Directly from Download Electronic Resource Screen
May 2023 Fulfillment - Resource Sharing URM-184829
Alma now enables you to ship a digital request directly from the Download Electronic Resource screen. After downloading a digital request (Lending Request > Download Electronic Resource action), you can now use the Ship item digitally action to upload the electronic resource directly from the Download Electronic Resource screen. Additionally, more metadata is now available on this screen.
Sunset of the Classic Metadata Editor
After many years of service, the Classic Metadata Editor is retired and all work now continues in the new and improved Metadata Editor.
For more information on the new Metadata Editor, see Navigating the Metadata Editor Page.
Personalized Quick Links to Favorite Actions in Metadata Editor
It is now possible to create single-click shortcuts to your most commonly used actions in the Metadata Editor. The first actions also have a dedicated keyboard shortcut.
This enables each cataloger to customize the editor to suit their workflows and needs, increasing efficiency and ease of work in the Metadata Editor.
The Metadata Editor Quick Links menus are similar to the Alma menus. There are separate menus for records, templates, and rules (as the available actions differ). The Quick Links menu, opened at any given time, is according to the action menus displayed on screen. Each cataloger can add, remove or re-order their own quick links as they prefer.
For more information, see Personalized Quick Links to Favorite Actions.
New View Items Workflow in the Metadata Editor
The View Related Data menu now includes a new option called View Items, which enables quick access to the items list of the holdings record. This feature is particularly beneficial for cataloging physical resources and can enhance the efficiency of the process.
For more information, see Metadata Editor - View Related Data Menu.
Shortcut Customization UI Preference for Alt+Number Applied to Metadata Editor Menu Shortcuts
Users that select to disable the Alt+Number shortcut in their UI preference customization will also disable it for the Metadata menus. For users who rely on the Alt+Number shortcuts, we suggest using the Numbers Row on the keyboard instead of the Numpad numbers. This is because Numpad numbers may trigger external keyboard shortcuts as well.
For more information, see Global Alma Hot Keys.
Adding Cataloger Information to Record Versions from Other Network Members in Metadata Editor
When looking at the version information of a Network Zone record in the Metadata Editor that was created by another member institution, the cataloger could previously only see the member institution information. Networks can now enable seeing both the member institution and the name of the cataloger that created the version in it, by setting the customer parameter show_version_cataloger_name_for_other_members in their Network Zone institution (this will affect all members in the network).
For changes made by catalogers within the network, the version they create displays the network institution information.
This feature enables catalogers in consortia to easily identify the correct cataloger from the correct institution who updated the record, making cooperation and collaboration in the shared catalog more efficient.
Bibliographic Ranking in Metadata Editor and Record View
Alma now evaluates the completeness and richness of MARC 21 bibliographic records based on information that includes identifiers, names, subjects, informative LDR and 008 fields, publication details, etc. This is reflected in a new Bibliographic Rank, meant to provide a helpful tool for libraries to identify records that may need attention. The new bibliographic rank is displayed in the record view and in the Metadata Editor.
For more information on the bibliographic ranking, refer to:
- For Record View, see Record View Summary.
- For Metadata Editor, see Creating a MARC 21 Bibliographic Record.
Searching Records by Bibliographic Rank
A new search option for titles is added to aid libraries in identifying records that require attention. This option enables librarians to search for titles within a specific range of the new Bibliographic Rank. The search option is available after the completion of the May indexing process.
Enhanced Support for Parallel Description in Another Language of Cataloging Related Records Using MARC21
The MARC21 standard added a new type of analytical linking called "Parallel Description in Another Language of Cataloging" (788). Alma's workflows, such as publishing profile enrichment which considers analytical linking, now support this new type.
Skip Validations Option Added to the Import Mechanism
Previously, users were required to manually resolve import validation errors that occurred during the import process. This caused the import process to stop from the point the validation process occurred. The remaining records to be imported were not processed as a result. Now, the import mechanism was enhanced to provide an option to skip validations and enable the process to complete automatically without requiring manual handling.
For more information on the import profile configuration, see Creating/Editing an Import Profile.
Refine Related Records Enrichment as Part of the General Publishing Profile
As part of the general publishing process, the process of enriching related records is more sophisticated. It now involves creating an inventory of related records based on the data provided in the bibliographic record.
Pointing to a specific item of a related record is cataloged as follows:
| Value in $g (MARC21 / KORMARC) $v (Unimarc / CNMARC) |
Item field | |
|---|---|---|
| Year | yr: | Chron I |
| Volume or barcode | no: | Enum A |
| Issue | iss: | Enum B |
| Part | pt: | Enum C |
| Pages | p: | pages |
For more information, see Add holdings/items of related records.
Searching for Standard Number Source
Once the semi-annual indexing is complete in your environment, a new advanced search index called Standard Number Source will be available. This index enables you to search for the standard number source indicated in the following fields:
- 015 $$2
- 016 $$2
- 022 $$2
- 024 $$2
Semi-Annual Re-indexing
During May, the semi-annual re-indexing (described in greater detail in Updates) will be run. Features or resolved issues that require re-indexing to be fully functional will be addressed by the May semi-annual re-indexing. See the list below:
- Searching for Standard Number Source, see here.
- Searching Records by Bibliographic Rank, see here.
- Edition Information Display in Search Results Enhanced to Support ISBD Cataloging, see here.
- Field 070 Added to NAL Call Number Index, see here.
- Enhanced Support for Parallel Description in Another Language of Cataloging Related Records Using MARC21, see here.
- UNIMARC Bibliographic 7XX $4 Includes a Closed List of Values, see here.
New Authority Index: Other Standard Identifier (024)
The staff search now includes a new identifier called Other Standard Identifier (024) as part of its authority index. For more information, see MARC 21 Authority Search Index Mapping.
Import Report Enhancement
Enhancements have been made to the import reporting process, with the addition of separate reports for single matches and multi-matches. For more information, see Viewing an Import Profile Job Report.
New Authorized Field CNMARC 702
An additional access point is incorporated into the CNMARC 702 field.
Add Not Contains or Not Equals to Alma Titles and Inventory Search Indexes Where Contains or Equals Currently Exist
NERS Enhancement (ID #7948) URM-172800
It is now possible to run Not Equals and Not Contains searches in the titles, inventory & authority searches, enabling more powerful and detailed searches in the catalog. As part of the development:
- Not Contains search operators were added to indexes where the index supported a "Contains" search.
- Not Equals search operators were added to indexes where the index supported an "Equals" search.
When searching with a lower-level index (an index that belongs to an entity contained in the searched entity, for instance, searching for physical holdings by item data, searching for electronic titles by portfolio data, etc.), a not contains or not equals search retrieves results where one or more entity matches the query. For example, when searching for physical titles where holdings' location "not equals" stacks - if a title has two holdings, one fulfilling the condition (location=reference) and another not meeting it (location=stacks) - the search finds this title since it has holdings that match the search criteria.
Due Date Added to Items List
Idea ExchangeURM-178656
Presently, operators cannot easily view the due date of items in the Items List and need to check each loan individually. A new column can now be added to the physical items table, containing the due date of items on loan.
For more information, see Working with the List of Items.
New and Generic Physical Items Material Types
Idea ExchangeURM-116239
Alma now offers an increased range of physical material types, including generic options that libraries can customize according to their requirements. This update is particularly advantageous for libraries with specialized materials, such as medical libraries that lend anatomical models, as they can now tailor the available type descriptions to their specific needs.
Institutions can activate several new material types in their Alma environment, including HathiTrust Material, Fascicule, Microphone, Locker, and Musical Instrument.
Community Zone Updates Task List to Include Indication Regarding Collection Level Management
Currently, Community Zone (CZ) operation planned activity such as deletion of electronic collections are communicated in advance to Alma customers via Community Zone Release Notes. The existing CZ Update Task List now indicates to the institution the changes made to the CZ collection's management level, users can focus on these changes by selecting the “Electronic Collection Management Level in Community Zone field updated” option from the Report Type filter.
This is mostly relevant for institutions to see what the planned changes are to CZ content, by reviewing collections that are planned to be deleted in the near future. This enables institutions to prepare in advance for any potential change which have an impact on the institution’s electronic CZ linked inventory.
Additionally, a new Management Level in Community Zone search index can be found under "E collection" and users can search under the Institution Zone (IZ), Community Zone (CZ), and the Network Zone (NZ).
For more information, see Actions on a Collection Following a Community Zone Update.
This functionality of searching for the Management Level of an Electronic Collection is fully functional only after the semi-annual Alma re-indexing.
Overlap Analysis Job Supports Physical as well as Electronic Titles
NERS Enhancement (ID #6947) Idea ExchangeURM-184189
Customers have the ability to upload a list of titles and compare it with the institution’s Electronic (supported) and Physical holdings (or both). This enables the institution to make informative decisions regarding titles/collections that they own or would like to purchase and as a result, potentially assist the institution to manage the financial budget expenses/savings.
For more information, see Enhanced Overlap and Collection Analysis Tool.
Public Access Model to Support Subscription Titles
For the Upload Electronic Holdings of ProQuest Ebook Central, the only titles that were previously passed to Alma with the Public Access Model information are "Owned" titles. Now Alma facilitates the ability to attain the Public Access Model value also for "Subscription" titles. This enhancement automatically adds a "UA (Unlimited Access)" access model for all Subscription titles.
For more information, see Proquest Ebook Central Upload Electronic Holdings - Addition of Public Access Model Information.
The data for existing portfolios in your institution is updated gradually.
Alma Integration with InCites
The Alma Collection Report in InCites is intended to help institutions to get insights about their holdings regarding publication types, research areas, usage, and publication model trends. Data shared from Alma is used exclusively to generate this report for institutions using Alma and is not shared with other Clarivate products or services.
InCites data is refreshed on the last Friday of each month. As such, from the time a customer opts in, they either see the report showing up with data at the end of the month, or, they should see the report with data the following month.
For general information on the Alma integration with InCites, see InCites and Alma integration enhancements on collection development reporting.
For more information on how to share your data with Web of Science, see the Developers Network blog regarding Journal Citation Reports (JCR) cloud app.
HAN Integration Enhancement
Users of the HAN proxy who are utilizing HAN’s multi-license functionality can now manage various licenses in Alma to accommodate the scenario where an electronic resource can have a distinct service per license, in the View It section. For example, this feature is intended to address situations where different levels of access to the E-Resource are required depending on the type of patron, such as researchers or external users. The option to enable this enhancement is controlled by the customer parameter: han_proxy_multi_license (located in Alma Configuration > Resources > General > Other Settings).
Display logic rules handle these as one bulk.
For more information, see Configuring Other Settings (Resource Management).
Change Electronic Portfolio Information Job Now Supports the Public Access Model Field
The existing job Change Electronic Portfolio Information is enhanced by supporting the Public Access Model field. This enables updating the Public Access Model field on a predefined set of portfolios.
For more information, see Manual Jobs and Their Relevant Parameters.
Editable Lines in Closed Invoices
Idea ExchangeURM-115893- Subscription dates range (unless Accrual mode is enabled)
- Additional information
- Check subscription date overlap
- Price note
- Note
- Reporting Codes 1-5
Editing of closed invoice lines can be performed manually in Alma or through the API (except for Reporting Codes 4 and 5). Institutions can block the option to edit closed invoice lines by changing the setting of the allow_edit_closed_invoice_line Customer Parameter to false. For additional information, see Creating Invoices.
New PO Line Facet: Vendor Account
A new facet has been added for PO lines: Vendor Account. This facet is now available in the Order lines search results and in the PO Lines tab of the Vendor details page (Acquisitions > Acquisitions Infrastructure > Vendors > [select vendor] > PO Lines tab). Institutions can now very easily and quickly filter a list of PO lines by vendor accounts, which can improve workflows when there is a need to focus on PO lines from a specific vendor account. For additional information, see Reviewing PO Lines.
From Year Now Included in Rollover Ledgers Report
The From Year of the Rollover Ledgers job report is now displayed in the report results. This can be helpful for analysis as well as for customer support. For additional information, see Viewing Completed Jobs.
New SAML Certificate
The current DigiCert SAML Certificate will expire on June 8th. If your institution uses this certificate, Ex Libris recommends that you consult with the IT dept. in your institution, and if required, replace the certificate for Alma and/or Primo VE. If replacing the certificate, this must be done in coordination with your IDP. For more information, see Replacing a Signed Certificate.
If your institution uses ADFS, Ex Libris highly recommends that you replace the certificate to avoid any complications.
User's Role Profiles Now Recorded in Account Notes
May 4 Update - The feature was not included in the release on May 7. It will be released with the Release Update on May 14.
Users' role profiles are now recorded in the user-account's Notes tab when they are applied. This makes it possible to find all users to which a particular role profile was applied in the past, by searching for the role profile's name or ID number. A logical set of these users can also be saved, and used as input for the Update/Notify Users job, which can update the roles assigned to the users in the set. For additional information, see Roles and Registration Configuration.
Enhanced Sections Component for New Layout of Record Lists
In the New Layout of record lists, the Sections menu of the Details pane, which provides quick navigation between record sections, has been redesigned and enhanced. It is now located in the center of the page and can be expanded and collapsed as desired, making it more flexible and easier to work with. In addition, it provides a variety of convenient features, including:
- Display in Split-view mode, with panes that can be resized
- Counters in parentheses indicating the number of entities currently defined in the section (for sections that may or may not contain any data - e.g., Notes (2) to indicate that two notes exist in the Notes section)
- Indicators (*) beside sections that contain mandatory fields (in Edit mode only)
The new Sections menu has thus far been implemented in the following record lists:
- Resource-sharing task lists
- PO line lists (early testers only)
- Analytics object lists
- Physical Holdings search results
For additional information, see New Layout 2022.
Detailed Description for Menu Items
In order to enhance ease of use and clarity in the Alma menu, a new feature has been implemented. Users can now hover over a link (before clicking it) to view a brief description in the "Additional Information" area, located at the bottom of the menu. To activate or deactivate this feature, simply click the arrow in the "description" box.
Enhanced Advanced Search Functionality with Fast Erasing Capability
The "fast erasing" new feature is implemented in Advanced search, enabling users to expedite their search process. The feature includes the ability to "erase" search fields by clicking an "X" rather than selecting the text and then deleting it.
This functionality is currently only available in the updated Advanced search sections such as Physical Holdings.
Library Independence for Alma Analytics
The Library Independence feature allows you to restrict the data that appears in Analytics reports to include only data from a specific library. This prevents the users from viewing unauthorized data and enables librarians to focus only on the relevant data for their libraries.
For more information, see Working with Library Independence.
Analytics New Layout Developments
The following new features are released relating to the new Alma Analytics Layout:
Change to Analytics New Layout Rollout Schedule and Known Issues
URM-189353The schedule of the phased rollout of the new analytics layout was changed. The new schedule is as follows:
- May release – The previous version of the layout is displayed by default, but you can configure Alma Analytics to display the new version.
- August release – The new version of the layout is displayed by default, but you can configure Alma Analytics to display the previous version.
- November release – The new version of the layout is the only version available.
There are several known issues regarding scheduling reports when moving to the new analytics layout. For more information, see Transitioning to the New Analytics User Interface.
Filter Analytics Object List by Badges
URM-182379You can now filter the Analytics Object List by the following badges:
- Scheduled
- Widget
- Subscribed
- Homepage Dashboard
For more information on the Analytics Object List, see Working with Analytics Objects.
Analytics Object List Now Customizable
URM-189600You can now customize many elements of the Analytics Object List and determine which section appear and in what order. To customize the Analytics Object List, select the customization icon 
at the top right of the page. The following options are available that enable you to configure the sections of the edit view, the actions available for the records, and the elements displayed in the record view:
For more information, see Customizing the Analytics Object List.
Out-of-the-Box Reports Removed from Analytics Objects List
URM-182159Out-of-the-box reports no longer appear in the drop-down list when creating analytics objects, since they cannot be used to create analytics objects. If you want to share or schedule an out-of-the-box report, save the report in your institution folder with a new name and create the analytics object with that copy.
For more information on analytics objects, see Creating an Analytics Object.
Exporting Analytics Object List to Excel
URM-182766You can now export the Analytics Object List to Excel format. You do this by selecting the export icon 
located above the list. The following fields are exported:
- Type
- Display Name
- Report Name
- Description
- Subject Areas
- Analytic Folder
- Add as widget
- Out of the Box Reports
- Schedule Report
- Add as dashboard
- Source System
- Object Creator
- Object Creation Date
Report Preview Available for Data Visualization Reports
URM-187262The Report Preview area of the Analytics Objects List now also displays Data Visualization reports. This enables you to view a preview of the report without having to open it in the analytics interface.
Scheduling Data Visualization Reports
URM-184526 URM-185935You can now schedule Data Visualization (DV) reports as you can for analytics dashboards and reports. Users subscribed to receive the DV reports receive a link to the DV report that they can select to display the report. Since sending DV reports as an attachment is not possible, the only option is to send a link to the live report. Note that opening the link requires the receiver having the appropriate role or permissions to view the report.
For more information, see Scheduling and Subscribing to Reports and Dashboards.
Alma Menu Features Now Support Analytics
URM-189470The following Alma menu features now support Alma Analytics:
- Quick Links
- Recent Pages
- Search for Any Link
Out-of-the-Box Dashboard Prompts for Library Independence
You can now add an out-of-the-box prompt that is pre-configured for library independence to dashboards. If the user has the Library Level Analytics Consumer role scoped to specific libraries, the prompt displays the library names within the user’s scope from which the user can filer the reports of the dashboard. The prompts are located in the same location as the Library Code Active filters (Shared Folders > Alma > Subject Area Contents > SUBJECT AREA).
DV Dashboard Templates for Library Independence
Out-of-the-box DV dashboard templates are now available with the Library Code Active filter already configured. You can use these templates to create dashboards that are filtered to the scope of the user. The dashboards are located in the same location as the Library Code Active filters (Shared Folders > Alma > Subject Area Contents > SUBJECT AREA). To use these dashboards, you must save them to a local location.
For CLA Users (UK): Course Synchronization Between Leganto and the DCS
Librarians who have courses in the DCS that do not match the Leganto courses can now override the course in the DCS with information from Leganto. When the integration profile Digital content store is active, the option to update DCS courses is now available from the Course Bulk Update job (Admin > Manage Jobs and Sets > Run a Job). When Update course in DCS is checked in the Course Bulk Update job, librarians can now update their DCS courses in bulk to match their Alma courses.
The following parameters are all automatically updated in the DCS course based on the values in Alma:
- Course code
- Course name
- Number of weeks
- Number of participants
- Processing department
- Instructor name
- Instructor email
- Course status
- Active - sets the DCS course to Active
- Archived - sets the DCS course to Archived
- Inactive - sets the DCS course to Archived
The job event now includes a Failed to update DCS event.
For more information, see Course Synchronization Between Leganto and the DCS.
Customize Copyright Approval and Reject Reasons
You can now customize the copyright approval and reject reasons (Fulfillment > Resource Requests > Approval Requests List).
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Copyright approval reasons list
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Copyright rejection reasons list
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You can customize the approval and reject reasons using the Configuration > Fulfillment > Copyright Management > Copyright approval reasons and Configuration > Fulfillment Copyright Management > Copyright reject reasons tables. You can edit any of the existing reasons or use the Add Row button to add new reasons. The reasons can now be translated to the Alma display language.
For more information, see Customizing Copyright Approval and Reject Reasons.
Enrich Multiple Citations Using DOI
Leganto can now automatically enrich citations containing a DOI with additional metadata in bulk by checking Enrich by DOI in the Reading List Citation Update Task job (Admin > Manage Jobs and Sets > Run a Job). The default setting for this checkbox is unchecked.
For more information, see Enriching Citation Metadata.
Find Matching Bibliographic Records for Multiple Citations - Run Resource Locate on Citation Sets
It is now possible to locate a set of citations by using the new Reading List Citation Process and Enrich job (Admin > Manage Jobs and Sets > Run a Job). Perform locate on type is not included in this new version of the Process and Enrich Citations job (Fulfillment > Advanced Tools - Reading Lists > Process and Enrich Citations). When Resource locate repository is checked (this checkbox is unchecked by default), you can choose to either manually handle citations when multiple matches are found or use the first matching resource for a specific inventory type. When Use first matching resource of a specific inventory type, if exists (otherwise handle manually) is selected, drop-down lists for Physical, Electronic, and Digital are displayed. The default priority selections for these drop-down lists are set according to your priority settings in resource_locate_multiple_matches_priority (Configuration Menu > Fulfillment > General > Other Settings).
The Process and Enrich Citations job (Fulfillment > Advanced Tools - Reading Lists > Process and Enrich Citations) is still available for use.
You can use the Reading List Citation Process and Enrich job to perform a resource locate on a specific set by selecting a specific facet, such as the new Not located facet, which returns all citations that do not have a Resource located status.
Easily Identify Citations that are Not Located
The Resource Locate facet (Fulfillment > Course Reserves > Citations) now includes a Not Located facet which accounts for all resources with the statuses Multiple Resources Located, Locate Not Run, No Resources Located, Locate Failed, and Information Incomplete.
For more information, see Reading List Citation Process and Enrich and Manual Jobs on Defined Sets.
Alma Support for Japanese Library Systems
As part of Ex Libris's commitment to the Japanese market, we have developed a range of Alma features that are specifically geared to the requirements of Japanese libraries. The primary developments in this sphere are described below.
Integration of Alma with the NACSIS Catalog
Alma can incorporate the NACSIS central catalog in its metadata management system, and supports the following NACSIS-catalog features:
- Holdings management (NACSIS Cloud App)
- Bibliographic and authorities management:
- Copying of cataloging from NACSIS to Alma (NACSIS Cloud App)
- Contributions from Alma to NACSIS
- NACSIS member-information management (NACSIS Cloud App)
- MARC21 to/from CAT-P crosswalk
For additional information, see Integration with NACSIS-CAT/ILL.
Integration of NACSIS-ILL Resource Sharing
The integration of the Japanese NACSIS-ILL Resource Sharing system with Alma makes it possible to create new NACSIS-ILL borrowing and lending requests in Alma, and to manage the entire workflow of borrowing and lending requests within Alma. It supports the following features and processes:
- Ability to create new NACSIS borrowing requests (NACSIS Cloud App)
- A sync job to retrieve NACSIS ILL request statuses into Alma
- Resource Sharing workflow is performed within Alma, and actions are pushed to NACSIS, including the following actions:
- Borrowing-request actions: Receive, Return, Cancel, Renew Request, Accept, Callback
- Lending-request actions: Ship, Check In, Reject, Renew Reply, Accept, Callback
For additional information, see Integration with NACSIS-ILL.
JP-KBART Support
The Alma portfolio loader can import JP-KBART portfolios of electronic resources from vendors to the library's electronic collections. For additional information, see Managing Electronic Resources.
Option for Identifying the Creator or Modifier of an API Request
When API requests are sent to Alma, and an entity (an item, user, invoice, etc.) is created or updated, the modifier/creator is recorded. Until now, this was always API, Ex Libris. Alma can now be configured to register the modifier/creator of an entity as the application/API-key instead of this default user name. This makes it possible to identify which application updated an entity when multiple applications use the API for this purpose. To turn this option on, under General Configuration > Other Settings, set the detailed_creator_and_modifier_for_api_changes Customer Parameter to true. For additional information, see Registering updates by API according to the API-key name.
Send Patrons Their User Data by Email
Users with user-management roles can now send patrons the complete XML record of the data stored about them in their user accounts, including attachments, from the User Details page. The XML file is sent to the patron's preferred email as an attachment to the Personal Information Letter. For additional information, see Managing Users.
Additional Parameters for Automatic Loan-Renewal Rules
Two powerful new types of parameters can now be used in configuring automatic loan-renewal rules: locations and statistical categories:
- Locations: Location-based auto-renewal parameters make it possible to create distinct rules for locations within individual libraries. For example, items in reading rooms, for which automatic renewal is not allowed, and items in other locations in the same library, for which renewals are permitted, can have different automatic renewal rules.
- Statistical categories: Primarily used for analytical reports, statistical categories are created by institutions and assigned to patrons as required. Examples of possible statistical categories are "Citizenship" (with possible values Australia, Canada, China, and so forth) and "Degree Program" (Bachelor's, Masters, PhD, and so forth). Employing statistical categories as parameters in automatic loan-renewal rules makes it possible to fine-tune auto-renewal rules for the various types of patrons served by the institution.
For additional information, see Configuring Automatic Loan-Renewal Rules.
User Statistical Categories as Parameters in Fulfillment-Unit Rules
Idea ExchangeURM-125680
Request-Cancellation Reasons Now Customizable
NERS Enhancement (ID #7705)URM-171527
It is now possible for each institution to customize the list of request-cancellation reasons that appears in the dropdown list of reasons when cancelling requests like holds or resource-sharing borrowing requests. The text displayed for each of the standard reasons can be modified, and reasons that are not relevant to the institution can be removed from the dropdown list. In addition, the institution can create up to ten new reasons to add to the dropdown list. These new options enable the institution to create a list of options that only includes reasons that are actually in use in their libraries, thus preventing problems that arise when an inappropriate reason is selected. The list of cancellation reasons can be edited at Configuration menu > Fulfillment > Request Cancellation Reasons. For additional information, see Configuring Request Cancellation Reasons.
Customization of Resource-Sharing Record View and Row Actions List
Users can now customize the task lists of the resource-sharing borrowing and lending task lists by choosing which fields will appear for each item, and the order and locations in which they will appear. In addition, the order of the row actions of each task can now be configured, and options that are not required can be hidden from the list entirely.
These new options add to the flexibility of the task lists, and enable libraries to improve the efficiency of their work by reducing clutter and making the fields required for their workflow easier to locate. Future releases will add additional fields to the task lists, further expanding the configuration options.
For additional information, see Customizing the Record Display; More Actions and Main Action Buttons.
Storage Location ID Updates
February 2023 Resource Management
The updates are especially useful for libraries that work with remote storage facilities and hold the storage ID on their physical items in Alma.
-
Including Item's Storage Location ID in Z39.50 Response
It is now possible to include a physical item's Storage Location ID in the Z39.50 response, when querying the server using the OPAC format. This enables systems that rely on the item's Storage Location ID to expose this information for third party integration using the Z39.50 server.
For more information, see Z39.50 Search.
- Storage Location ID Available in the Physical Items Search Results
The item's Storage Location ID is available to add to the physical items search results page. For more information, see Searching in Alma.
- Storage Location ID Added to the Physical Items List
A new column, Storage Location ID, is now available to add to the items list. For more information, see Physical Items.
Alt Key Menu Keyboard Shortcuts in New Metadata Editor
It is now possible to easily and quickly access the menus in the new Metadata Editor using a keyboard only, to increase cataloging efficiency and ease of use. This is especially useful for catalogers that rely on keyboard shortcuts in their work.
For more information, see Global Alma Hot Keys.
Open GND Authority Records in New Metadata Editor View Mode
Catalogers that do not have sufficient privileges to edit GND authority records (based on cataloging level) can now open the authority records in the New Metadata Editor view mode and perform permitted actions such as duplicate records and others. For more information, see Working with the Gemeinsame Normdatei (GND) Integrated Authority Records.
Show List of All External Resources Instead of a Search
Previously in Alma, the Resource Management Configuration > External Resources only enabled an option to search for a specific resource. Now, Alma enables the option to Show All Resources that lists all available external resources. This allows users to browse through all resources.
For more information, see Configuring External Search Resources.
Import Enhancements
Idea ExchangeURM-95044URM-178842
- Using Normalization Processes When Creating Inventory and POL Using Import Profiles
Previously the inventory and POL mapping in the import profile used the source records from the input file as they appeared in the file. It is now possible to use a dedicated normalization process in the import profile to update the data used in inventory and POL mapping. For example, a library may remove the currency information from the List price field, or add a temporary location information to the field mapped to items. The normalization will only be applied for inventory and for PO Lines, and will not be part of the record when saved to the catalog. For more information, see Creating/Editing an Import Profile: Normalization and Validation.
- Assign Cataloging Level to Imported Records
A new option was added to define the cataloging level assigned to records imported to Alma using the MD import profile.
-
New records - assigned with the configured cataloging level.
-
Matched records - if the existing cataloging level is equal to or lower than the cataloging level configured in the import profile, the cataloging level configured will be assigned to all matched records. Otherwise, records are rejected and reported in the import report.
For more information, see Creating/Editing an Import Profile: Set Management Tags. -
UNIMARC Profile Updates
- Enhancement of UNIMARC 100 Field Positions 25 and 34-35
UNIMARC field 100 positions 25 and 34-35 now support a closed list of values.
- Enhancement of UNIMARC 101 Field
UNIMARC field 101 has incorporated the following enhancements:
-
Field 101 has become repeatable
-
Enhanced the usage of the second indicator
-
Added support for $2
-
- Enhancement of UNIMARC Bib 100 $a-j
UNIMARC Bibliographic field 100 subfields a-j now supports a three-letter controlled vocabulary of country codes.
GND Profile Update
Some changes were introduced to the GND format.
Changes were made to the CV lists of the following subfields:
- 065 $a
- 380 $a
- 382 $a
- 667 $a
- 670 $a and $b
Updates to MARC21 Profile
The following MARC21 updates are now available for Bibliographic, Holdings, and Authority profiles:
- Update No. 33, November 2021
- Update No. 34, July 2022
In addition to the periodical updates, included are a few small fixes to the MARC 21 profiles. These fixes are detailed below:
In the MARC 21 Bibliographic profile:
- 383 - removed redundant values in second indicator
- 550 – removed redundant values in Second indicator
- Removed subfield ‘1’ from 880
- 610 $s – changed to Repeatable
- 034 – added subfield ‘0’
In the MARC 21 Authority Profile:
- 100 - Subfields ‘g’ and ‘s’ changed to Repeatable
- 111- Subfield ‘d’ changed to Repeatable
- 130- Updated the first Indicator to Undefined
- 336, 370, 372 – added Subfield ‘0’
- Added field 348
-
Field 378 updated to Not Repeatable
-
382 - added subfields ‘e’ and ‘t’
-
383 - Updated Second indicator to Undefined
- 670 - added subfield ‘w’
- 672 - added subfields ‘4’ and ‘5’
- 700 - Added subfields ‘1’, ‘4’, ‘I’. Updated subfields ‘g’ and ‘s’ to Repeatable.
- 400 – subfields ‘g’ and ‘s’ updated to Repeatable
- 450- added subfield ‘I’
- 500- added subfield ‘1’. Subfields ‘g’ and ‘s’ updated to Repeatable
- 511 – added subfield ‘j’
Control the Availability of Portfolios Automatically at a Pre-defined Date
Idea ExchangeURM-XXXXXX
Two additional fields have been added to the Portfolio Editor screen (as well as to the New Portfolio screen when adding a new local portfolio):
- Available from date - Specifies when the portfolio will be automatically set to "Available."
- Available until date - Specifies when the portfolio will be automatically set to "Not available."
The image below presents the new fields in the portfolio editing screen:
These two fields enable users to set a date which defines:
- When the portfolio will become "Available"
- When the portfolio will become "Not available"
- A date-range in which the portfolio will be "Available"
A daily job (Electronic portfolio availability update) runs every day and checks the dates defined on the portfolios and according to these dates, sets the portfolio as "Available" or "Not available".
These two new fields enable institutions who have electronic collections where they purchase 1 year of access for selected titles to set a date when these selected titles will be set as "Not available".
The Available from and Available until fields were also added to the following:
- Change Electronic portfolio information job
- API
For more information, see Editing a Portfolio Using the Electronic Portfolio Editor.
Ebook Central Upload Electronic Holdings - Addition of Public Access Model Information
Proquest Ebook Central Upload Electronic Holdings integration now includes information regarding the Access Model associated with the electronic resources. The Access Model information passed from Ebook Central is only passed for "Owned" titles. The Access Model information passed from Ebook Central is reflected within the "Public Access Model" field of the electronic portfolio.
The Public Access Model field reflects aggregated information regarding the portfolio's Access Model, see the table below for a few examples of the Access Model reflection in Alma and in Ebook Central:
| Scenario | Ebook Central | Public access model presented on the portfolio in Alma |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Title has access model 1U | 1U |
| 2 | Title has access model 2x1U | 2U |
| 3 | Title has access model 2x1U and 3U | 5U |
| 4 | Title has access model 2x1U and 3U and NL | NL (5U once the NL is over) |
| 5 | Title has access model 2x1U and 3U and UA | UA |
Any new Public Access Model code and description are added to the Access Model configuration screen (Configuration > Acquisitions > Access Model).
Customers who use the "Old" (ProQuest Ebook Central Upload Electronic Holdings) job WILL NOT benefit from this enhancement and are encouraged to move to the new job.
To maintain the stability of the integration (as there may be many existing portfolios), Alma gradually populates the Public Access Model information for existing portfolios under the relevant ProQuest Ebook Central collection for all institutions (institutions that work with the newer job, only). Be aware that the gradual population process may take several weeks to complete.
Regardless of the gradual population process, newly added portfolios (in the daily update) will reflect this information immediately.
For more information, see ProQuest Ebook Central Upload Electronic Holdings Transition.
Electronic Service - Expiry Date Option for the Service Temporarily Unavailable Message
Idea ExchangeURM-170845
Today, when the patron clicks on View it to see the services of the resource, they see the Service temporarily unavailable message (if this was set). In order to set this message, a user needs to access the Electronic Service Editor page and set the date and Temporary Unavailable reason.
Within the Electronic Service Editor page, a new field Display unavailable message until date allows the Alma user to set a date where the Temporary Unavailable message will expire and no longer appear in the View it.
This saves the Alma user from the need to proactively move the Display temporarily unavailable message back to No.
The Update collection job was enhanced to add this new field.
For more information, see Activation Tab Options.
MARC 21 to DC Crosswalk Now Configurable
Idea Exchange URM-171844You can now customize the XSL file that maps the MARC 21 to Dublin Core crosswalk. This allows you to determine how MARC 21 records are converted when publishing to Dublin Core or Qualified Dublin Core formats. To support this feature, the new Digital Publishing Crosswalk XSLs link was added to Configuration > Resources > Record Export. To see this link, you must have the Catalog Administrator role with the Digital Publishing Crosswalks privilege selected.
- Select Digital Publishing Crosswalk XSLs (Configuration > Resources > Record Export). The following appears:
Crosswalk Configuration Files - From the actions button, select Edit for the configuration file. The following appears:
Example Configuration File - Edit the file and select Save.
The MARC 21 to DC crosswalk is implemented according to your customizations when publishing MARC 21 records to DC.
For more information on publishing, see Publishing and Inventory Enrichment (General Publishing).
Internet Archive Book Reader (IABR) Now Supports Right-to-Left Paging
The Internet Archive Book Reader (IABR) now supports right-to-left paging when reading books in right-to-left languages. To support this feature, the new Paging Direction by Content Language option was added to the Service Details tab when configuring IABR (Configuration > Fulfillment > Discovery Interface Display Logic > Viewer Service > Internet Archive Book Reader).
- ara - Arabicfield
- arc - Official Aramaic (700-300 BCE); Imperial Aramaic (700-300 BCE)
- aze - Azerbaijani
- div - Divehi; Dhivehi; Maldivian
- per - Persian
- fas - Persian
- hau - Hausa
- heb - Hebrew
- kas - Kashmiri
- khw - Khowar
- kur - Kurdish
- pus - Pushto; Pashto
- sam - Samaritan Aramaic
- syc - Classical Syriac
- syr - Syriac
- urd - Urdu
- yid - Yiddish
For more information, see Configuring Right-to-Left Paging for the Internet Archive Book Reader.
Alma Viewer Enhanced to Improve Display of the File
The following adjustments were made to the Alma viewer to provide enhanced focus on the file content:
- The Alma viewer user interface was redesigned to provide more space for file content.
- The Alma Viewer was enhanced to enable you to configure the Contents and Descriptions panes to be collapsed by default and to set a default zoom for PDF files.
This feature is configurable from the new Expand Content Pane, Expand Description Pane, and PDF Default Zoom configuration options located at Configuration > Fulfillment > Viewer Services > Alma Viewer.
Expand Content Pane, Expand Description Pane, and PDF Default Zoom Check Boxes - When the panes are collapsed, the buttons and file label are all located in the same toolbar.
Activation Notes in Electronic Resource Activation Task List
Idea Exchange
This feature will be supported in a future release.
Activation notes are now included in the Electronic Resource Activation Task List (Resources > Manage Inventory > Manage Electronic Resource Activation). An activation note is a note that is added to the PO line of an electronic resource and displayed in the activation task list during activation of the resource, enabling the person creating the PO line to provide relevant information or instructions to the one activating it. They are similar to the Receiving Notes that can be attached to PO lines of physical resources (see Manually Creating a PO Line).
Activation notes cannot currently be created in Alma (although they will be supported in the future – see New Unified PO Line Task List), but if a PO line for an electronic resource was migrated from another system, and it had a receiving note attached to it in the previous system, the content of that receiving note appears as an Activation Note in Alma.
Improve the UI/Discoverability of the License Terms Translatable Text Area
Alma has improved the UI/discoverability of the translatable text area for License Terms. A globe icon is added, that when clicked, opens a screen similar to regular translatable fields. The UI will be populated based on the contents of the text area, and when closed, will add the correctly-formatted text to the text area.
For more information, see Managing Licenses and Amendments.
Library-Level Statistical Categories
A new option, library-level statistics, has been added to Alma, and is available in institutions in which library independence has been established (see Library Independence). When this option is activated for an institution, statistical categories can be assigned to patrons per library. In this case, an owner library is added to the properties of each statistical category that is assigned to a patron. Only users whose roles are scoped to the owner library can see or access the statistical categories it owns. Statistical categories that are outside of a user's scope are not displayed to them when they view user information or retrieved in searches they perform, and are excluded from jobs and API calls they execute.
For information about assigning statistical categories to users, see Managing Users. For information about creating statistical categories, see User Details Configuration.
Entity Type Dropdown in Simple Search
February 2023 Administration and Infrastructure
Librarians can now quickly select the type of search (entity type) they are searching (in simple search) by starting to type its name in the Search field, for example "Electronic collection", and having it auto-complete in the field. This is especially helpful in saving time when the simple search dropdown contains a long list of search types (entity types).
Moreover, this ability reduces mousing - making simple searches more accessible. For more information, see Performing a Simple Search.
Licenses - Enhancements to LicenseTermsPermittedProhibited Options
February 2023 Administration and Infrastructure (Updated February 15, 2023)
The license term “LicenseTermsPermittedProhibited” is enhanced with additional options to match the DLF standard. The new options are:
- Permitted (Explicit)
- Permitted (Interpreted)
- Prohibited (Explicit)
- Prohibited (Interpreted)
- Silent (Uninterpreted)
This is in addition to the existing values of:
- Silent
- Uninterpreted
- Prohibited
- Permitted
- Not Applicable
For more information see Managing License Terms
Translations for the newly added values will be available in the following Alma release. Manual translations can be added.
The functionality above was introduced in a different manner in the February release and was modified on February 15th due to customer feedback.
Options that were available prior to the Alma February release were added back to the list of options, and additional values were added to comply with the DLF standard.
Below is a table describing all the options for the “LicenseTermsPermittedProhibited” license term and the changes that were done according to customer feedback.
| Drop down values | Value changes |
|---|---|
| Permitted |
Customers who had the “Permitted (Explicit)” selected in the February release will move back to this value. |
| Permitted (Explicit) |
Customers who had this value selected in the February release will move back to “Permitted” value. |
| Permitted (Interpreted) |
Customers who selected this value in the February release will still have this value selected. |
| Prohibited |
Customers who had the “Prohibited (Explicit)” selected in the February release will move back to this value. |
| Prohibited (Explicit) |
Customers who had this value selected in the February release will move back to “Prohibited” value. |
|
Prohibited (Interpreted) |
Customers who selected this value in the February release will still have this value selected. |
|
Silent |
Customers who had this value selected before the February release, and did not modify it in the February release, will have this value selected. |
|
Silent (Uninterpreted) |
Customers who selected this value in the February release will still have this value selected. |
|
Uninterpreted |
Customers who had this value selected before the February release, and did not modify it in the February release, will have this value selected. |
|
Not Applicable |
New Analytics User Interface
The Alma Analytics user interface was redesigned with several enhanced features that improve the display of information and simplify many procedures and workflows. The new interface will be rolled out in the following stages:
- February release – The previous version of the interface is displayed by default, but you can configure Alma Analytics to display the new version.
- May release – The new version of the interface is displayed by default, but you can configure Alma Analytics to display the previous version.
- August release – The new version of the interface is the only version available.
To display the new version of the interface, select the User icon and then select Feature Rollout Configuration:
The following enhancements were implemented:
- The options and layout when selecting Analytics from the Main Menu was enhanced:
- At the top of the area, a list of your favorite reports and dashboards appear:
Main Analytics Link Options - From the My Analytics area you can access the Analytics Object list (if you have the relevant role) and display the new Shared with Me page where you can view the reports to which you have access:
Shared with Me - From the Create Analysis section, you can select the renamed Access Analytics link to create reports and access out-of-the-box reports and dashboards.
- At the top of the area, a list of your favorite reports and dashboards appear:
- The Analytics Object List was redesigned:
Analytics Objects List - Visual indicators mark the objects as Subscribed, Scheduled Report, Added as a Widget, and Report in Favorites.
- Additional information appears for each object, such as the subject area the report or dashboard is from, the user who created the object and the date created, and the user who modified the object and the date modified.
- New functionality is now available for Analytics Objects, including:
- Editing an analytics object in split view, so that you can keep the list of objects open while you edit:
Split View - Viewing a preview of the report or dashboard so you can confirm the functioning of the reports:
Preview Report
- Editing an analytics object in split view, so that you can keep the list of objects open while you edit:
For the complete description of the features of the new Analytics Interface, see Working with Analytics Objects.
For a description of the options on the Analytics menu, see Navigating Analytics.
API-Key Support for Multiple IP Ranges
The existing security feature that uses API keys to limit access to Alma has been expanded. When employing this feature, customers create an API-key in https://developers.exlibrisgroup.com/manage/keys/, and then specify IP addresses from which requests can be accepted. Requests from IP addresses that are not included in the list of accepted IP addresses are rejected by Alma. Previously, Alma API keys could only be configured to accept requests from individual IP addresses or a single range of IP addresses. They can now accept multiple ranges of IP addresses; the ranges must be defined in CIDR format, and separated by commas - e.g., 1.1.1.1/27,1.1.1.3/15.
Access to Letter Components Added to the API
Access to Code-Table Translations Added to the API
Idea ExchangeURM-179802Search for Reading List by List ID
Idea Exchange URM-135743You can now search Reading lists by List ID in Alma.
List ID searches are not currently included in All searches. This option will be available in a later release.
For more information, see Reading List Search Fields.
User-Information Pop-Ups in New-Layout Task Lists Are Now Available and Customizable
In the New Layout of the Resource Sharing borrowing-request and lending-request task lists, assignee and requester names are now buttons that, when selected, open pop-ups in which additional user information is displayed. Alma users can thus quickly access information such as a requester's user group or contact details, but the information does not clutter the display when it is not needed. For additional information, see New Layout 2022.
Which user information appears in these pop-ups can be configured by the institution. Thus, one institution may choose to display physical addresses and personal phone numbers in the pop-up, while another chooses to hide this information, but includes user groups and email addresses. For additional information, see Configuring User Information for Pop-ups.
Additional Enhancements
- May 2023 Resource Management SF: 05320435
The UNIMARC Bibliographic profile now includes a closed list of values for 7XX fields in the subfield $4. For more information, see Working with Bibliographic Records. The UNIMARC Bibliographic 7XX $4 enhancement is in continuation of the enhancements included in the February 2023 Release. For a list of the enhancements in the February 2023 release, click here.URM-178916 - May 2023 Resource Management
Previously, edition information in the title search results was limited to the edition statement (250$$a). Now, the edition information also includes the remainder of the edition statement (250$$b), enabling librarians to fully and accurately identify the edition from the search results. - May 2023 Resource Management
The 070 is the standard NAL (National Agricultural Library) call number index per library of Congress Standards. Once the semi-annual reindexing is completed, it will be included in the NAL Type Call Number search index. - May 2023 Administration and Infrastructure
Alma's session timeout feature recognizes user activity in Analytics and extends the Alma session to prevent a timeout while the user is active in Analytics. This means that if the user is working in Analytics during an Alma session, their session remains active without interruption. Once a user's session in Alma is about to end, Alma runs a check to verify if the user was active in Analytics within the last hour. If active, Alma extends the session until the next session's end cycle and runs the check again. If no activity in Analytics, the session ends. - May 2023 Digital Resource Management URM-126640
The Universal Viewer now supports the 3D formats .glb and .gltf. Note that for .gltf, files that include pointers to additional external files are not supported. - May 2023 Analytics URM-186765
The Item Receiving Date dimension was added to Physical Items subject area. It includes fields that enable you to create reports on how many items were received by the library per period of time.For more information on the Physical Items subject area, see Physical Items.
- May 2023 Analytics SF: 06447308 06683567 URM-182984
The DC Description field was added to the Bibliographic Details dimension in all subject areas in which it appears. It displays the description of the DC record.For more information on the Bibliographic Details dimension, see Bibliographic Details.
- May 2023 Analytics SF: 06577926 URM-184115
The Item Issue Date (Calendar) field was added to Physical Items > Physical Item Details. It displays the issue date of the physical item.For more information on the Physical Items subject area, see Physical Items.
- May 2023 Fulfillment - Resource Sharing URM-189222
The following fields are now available in the following letters (Configuration > General > Letters > Letters Configuration):Field Label XML Field Ful Incoming Slip LetterGroup Qualifiergroup_qualifierRenewals Allowedrenewals_allowedBorrowing Library Address Informationborrowing_library_addressPartner Codepartner_codeResource Sharing Shipping Slip LetterRenewals Allowedrenewals_allowedFul Resource Request Slip Letter
Group Qualifiergroup_qualifierRenewals Allowedrenewals_allowedBorrowing Library Address Informationborrowing_library_addressPartner Codepartner_codeResource Sharing Receive Slip Letter
Group Qualifiergroup_qualifierLibrary Location for Institutions with Multiple LibrariespickupLibraryNameRenewals Allowedrenewals_allowedBorrowing Library Address Informationborrowing_library_addressPartner Codepartner_codeResource Sharing Return Slip Letter
Group Qualifiergroup_qualifierLibrary Location for Institutions with Multiple Libraries
pickupLibraryName
Renewals Allowedrenewals_allowedBorrowing Library Address Informationborrowing_library_addressBorrower Overdue Email Letter
Partner Codepartner_codeFor more information, see Configuring Alma Letters.
- May 2023 Fulfillment - Resource Sharing URM-184830
Titles with physical holdings now display the Holdings information (name, shelving location, call number, and availability) in the right pane.The Holdings information displays whatever information is available. When some of the Holdings information is not available, the field for the unavailable information does not appear.
Holdings - May 2023 Fulfillment - Resource Sharing SF: 06618079 06664331 URM-187017
You can now set the default sent from email address to be different from the main library email address. When rs_use_addressfrom_letter_param (Fulfillment Configuration Menu > General > Other Settings) is set to true (default false), instead of letters being sent from the Preferred Email Address set in Fulfillment > Library Management > Contact Information, the email is sent from the letter configuration addressFrom (Configuration > General > Letters > Letters Configuration) on the following letters:- Externally Obtained Letter
- Lending Recall Email Letter
- Borrower Claim Email Letter
- Ful Cancel Email Letter
- Ful Renew Email Letter
- Ful Incoming Slip Letter
- Ful Damaged Email Letter
- Ful Lost Email Letter
- Borrower Overdue Email Letter
- Ful Outgoing Email Letter
- Borrower Receive Email Letter
- Borrower Return Email Letter
- Lender Checked-in Email Letter
- Lender Reject Email Letter
- Lender Response Email Letter
- Lender Ship Email Letter
- Lender Will Supply Email Letter
- Query To Patron Letter
- Resource Sharing Request Confirmation Letter
- Resource Sharing Return Slip Letter
- Resource Sharing Shipping Slip Letter
Preferred email address
addressFrom email addressIn addition, for the following letters, signature_email needs to be replaced in the XSL with address_from in order to prevent the preferred email address from appearing at the bottom of the email:
- Externally Obtained Letter
- Query To Patron Letter
XSL
Preferred email address on three lettersFor more information, see Configuring Alma Letters.
- May 2023 Fulfillment - Course Reserves SF: 06572598 Idea Exchange URM-162845
You can now use the Leganto API to update citation tags. Use the following PUT method, containing a URL with the course ID, reading list, reading list ID, citation, citation ID, and the word tags. The body must include the tags you want the citation to include. For example:
If the body <citation_tag> is empty, all tags are removed from the citation.
For more information, see Developer Network - Courses.
- February 2023 Resource Management URM-179343
To assure a more accurate look-up of Series title and Uniform title, the access point of UNIMARC fields 410/411 and 500 will lead to the relevant entries based on a type defined in the 154 $a field. - February 2023 Resource Management URM-178894
Libraries can now configure more flexible scheduling for general publishing. - February 2023 Physical Resource Management URM-171615
The publishing to OCLC was enhanced to handle the reported instability of connections with OCLC FTP servers, where OCLC servers fail to receive files. The following is the enhancement:- If a file fails to be uploaded to the FTP server due to server instability, the publishing job will complete with errors. The job report will detail that the connection to OCLC’s FTP server failed, and it will be possible to download the failed files from the job report, so they are not lost.
- February 2023 Analytics URM-180834
It is now possible to have the data anonymized in the following fields of the System Events subject area:To request that these fields be anonymized, contact Ex Libris support.
- Event Details > Event Key Value
- Event Details > Event Creator
- Security Events > Accessing User ID
- Security Events > User ID
- February 2023 API
For import jobs that have run, a report showing the source file that was imported can now be generated through the API, given the Job ID. For additional information, see Configuration and Administration. - February 2023 API
The Linked Data section of bibliographic records now includes Creator and Contributor Wikidata links when they are available. For additional information about linked data, see Linked Data in Repository Search Results; Linked Data.
- February 2023 Analytics SF: 05299713 05460695 06464393 06484214 URM-182644
The Electronic Collection Bibliographic Details dimension was added to the E-Inventory subject area. The fields of this dimension enable you to create reports that contain information concerning the bibliographic details of electronic collections. This is especially useful for reports concerning collections without portfolios. The fields of this dimension are the same as in the Bibliographic Details dimension found in many subject areas with an added prefix of E-Collection Bib.For more information, see Electronic Collection Bibliographic Details.
Watch the Bib Details of E-Collections in E-Inventory Analytics Reports video (1:20 minutes). - February 2023 Analytics URM-182402
The names of the Fund Ledger dimension and the following field names were changed to remove the word Ledger from their name to more accurately describe the information they display. The term Fund Ledger refers to a parent fund, while these fields display information at both the parent and child level. Note that any existing reports that use the old field names continue to work.The changed dimension and field names are located in the Funds Expenditure, Purchase Requests, Physical Items, and E-Inventory > Cost Usage subject areas.
New Name Old Name Fund (Dimension) Fund Ledger Fund Code Fund Ledger Code Fund ID Fund Ledger ID Fund Name Fund Ledger Name Fund Status Fund Ledger Status Fund Owner Code Fund Ledger Owner Code Fund Owner Name Fund Ledger Owner Name Fund Name Fund Ledger Name Parent Fund Code Parent Fund Ledger Code Parent Fund ID Parent Fund Ledger ID - February 2023 Analytics URM-182443
The names of the following fields in the Fund Expenditure subject area were changed to clarify that they display the name of the user:New Name Old Name Dimension Invoice - Approver Name Invoice - Approved By Invoice Line License Modifier Name License Modified By PO Line License License Creator Name License Creator PO Line License - February 2023 Analytics URM-184286
The Statistical Category field (Users > Statistics) now displays the statistical category description and not the statistical category code. Any report filters that are based on the statistical category code may need to be updated.Watch the Additional Analytics User Statistics video (1:16 minutes). - February 2023 Fulfillment - Course Reserves URM-180474
When copying a citation, the Created by on the new citation is attributed to the user who copied the citation.
- February 2023 Fulfillment - Course Reserves URM-153988
For consistency and clarity, the Brief Display Request Status label is now labeled Citation Status to match the Citation Status facet label and the data in analytics.
Brief Display Citation Status - February 2023 Fulfillment - Course Reserves URM-178004
The List Last Set to Complete Date field was added to the Reading Lists dimension in the Leganto Student Usage, Leganto Instructor Usage Events, and Course Reserves subject areas. It displays the most recent date that the reading list was set to complete.
- February 2023 Fulfillment - Course Reserves SF: 06454739 URM-177711
The Citation Hidden Links field was added to the Citations dimension of the Leganto Student Usage and Leganto Instructor Usage Events subject areas and the Reading List Citations dimension of the Course Reserves and Purchase Requests subject areas. It indicates if there are hidden links in the citation.
- February 2023 Fulfillment - Course Reserves URM-175007
The Reading List Type field was added to the Reading Lists dimension in the Leganto Student Usage, Leganto Instructor Usage Events, and Course Reserves subject areas. It indicates if the reading list is designated as the parent list. Possible values are Parent and blank (no value). - February 2023 Fulfillment - Course Reserves SF: 06481498 URM-178971
The Start Page 2 and End Page 2 fields were added to the Citation Metadata Details dimension of the Leganto Student Usage, Leganto Instructor Usage Events, and Course Reserves subject areas. They display an additional start and end page.The Number of Pages field now displays the number of pages between the Start Page and End Page fields and the Start Page 2 and End Page 2 fields.In addition, the names of the Article Number of Pages, Article Start Page, and Article End Page were changed to Number of Pages, Start Page, and End Page.
- February 2023 Fulfillment - Course Reserves URM-179659
The following field names were changed in Analytics for better clarity and consistency:New Name Old Name Location Course Created By Course Creator - Course Reserves > Courses
- Leganto Student Usage > Reading Lists
- Leganto Instructor Usage > Courses
- Requests > Request for Course
Reading List Created By Reading List Creator - Course Reserves > Reading Lists
- Leganto Student Usage > Reading Lists
- Leganto Instructor Usage > Reading Lists
Number of Suggestions Leganto List Num of Student Suggestions - Course Reserves > Reading Lists
- Leganto Student Usage > Reading Lists
- Leganto Instructor Usage > Reading Lists
Section Created By Section Creator - Course Reserves > Leganto Reading List Sections
- Leganto Student Usage > Reading List Sections
- Leganto Instructor Usage > Reading List Sections
Citation Created By Citation Creator - Course Reserves > Reading List Citations
- Leganto Student Usage > Citations
- Leganto Instructor Usage > Citations
- Purchase Requests > Reading List Citations
Number of Files Downloaded Number of Files Download Leganto Student Usage > Student Usage Number of Student Comments Students Discussions Leganto Student Usage > Student Usage - February 2023 Fulfillment - Course Reserves URM-180468
For Norwegian customers, files available from Bolk now only display to students when permitted according to the permissions set in Leganto. For example:- Files for citations that are not marked as complete do not display to students
- Files only display when access to materials is allowed according to the publishing visibility
- February 2023 Fulfillment - Course Reserves URM-180928
The No List Expected field was added to the Course dimension in the Leganto Student Usage, Leganto Instructor Usage Events, Course Reserves, and Requests subject areas. (Possible values: Checked and Unchecked). It indicates if the No List Expected checkbox is selected on the course record in Alma or not. For more information on this checkbox, see Indicating that Courses Deliberately Have No Reading List. - February 2023 Fulfillment - Resource Sharing URM-166608
When scanning in an item on the lending side (Fulfillment > Resource Requests > Scan In Items), emails were not sent to the borrower. When an email address is configured for the Printer Details (Configuration > Fulfillment > General > Printers), the Resource Sharing Shipping Slip is now emailed.