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    5. Ziv Alma Scratch 2025_03_04_05

    Ziv Alma Scratch 2025_03_04_05

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    1. RN Order:
      1. RN Story Tags
        1. (URM-XXXXXX) TBD
        2. (URM-XXXXXX) TBD
        3. (URM-XXXXXX) TBD
        4. (URM-XXXXXX) TBD
        5. (URM-XXXXXX) TBD
        6. (URM-XXXXXX) TBD
    2. -----March 2025 Stories------
      1. (URM-231695) Supporting Linked Data and VIAF for Local Authorities
      2. (URM-234172) Alma AI Metadata Assistant Developments
        1. AI Metadata Assistant: Request Specific Metadata
        2. Administrator Control: Manage Requested Metadata from AI Assistant
      3. (URM-233539) Collections Activated from the Community Zone Now Have Separate Settings for Auto-Active and Auto-Delete Behaviors
    3. -----April 2025 Stories------
      1. (URM-238306) See URM-231695 (March Sprint)
      2. (URM-237625) Overlap Analysis Tool Can Now Be Used With Multiple Matching Identifiers in One Comparison
      3. (URM-227209) TBD
      4. (URM-237697) Delete Portfolios Directly from the Metadata Editor
      5. (URM-239551) Enhanced Electronic Portfolio Availability Information in Title Searches
      6. (URM-239635) Redirect Old Menu Links to New Central Configuration Dashboard
    4. -----May 2025 Stories------
      1. (URM-241499) View Work Action for BIBFRAME Instances in All Titles Search
      2. (URM-241208) TBD
      3. (URM-233575) AI Indication for CZ-Enriched Records
      4. (URM-240628) Enhanced Title Navigation in the Physical Holdings Search
      5. (URM-243313) Sunsetting the Classic Title Search UX
      6. (URM-235561) Adding Cataloger Notes in the Titles and Holdings Searches
      7. (URM-242386) Navigation Links Added to the Title Searches Export
      8. (URM-239539) Physical Holdings Search Labels Management for Physical Inventory Operators
      9. (URM-239540) Enhanced Saved Facets in Title and Holdings Searches
      10. (URM-235395) XSL Normalization Process for Metadata Records
      11. (URM-235304) New Partial Linking for Name/Title Headings
      12. (URM-238862) Searching for Titles with AI Generated Metadata
      13. (URM-240508) Request AI Metadata Assistant for Specific Metadata
      14. (URM-237682) Upload Resource Descriptions in PDF and Word Document Formats in AI Metadata Assistant
      15. (URM-158995) Persistent Sorting Routine for Physical Items List
      16. (URM-235375) Institution Zone Administrator Notification for Configuration Release Request by Central Office
    5. Template
      1. (URM-191966) TBD
      2. (URM-111222) TBD
      3. (URM-XXXXXX) TBD
      4.  
      5. [Add in Nov RN] - Additional Enhancements
      6. List of Resolved Issues

    RN Order:

    RN Order:

    1. FUL - Fulfillment and Resource Sharing 7. ACQ - Acquisitions
    2. LOD - Linked Open Data 8. COL - Collaborative Networks (Consortia)
    3. MDM - Metadata Management 9. ADM - User Experience, Accessibility & Infrastructure
    4. PRM - Physical Resource Management 10. ANA - Analytics
    5. ERM - Electronic Resource Management 11. API - APIs 
    6. DIG - Digital Resource Management  

    This is the order of the categories, as they are to appear.

    RN Story Tags

    (URM-XXXXXX) TBD

    February 2025 Linked Open DataURM-XXXXXX

    TextLOD.

    (URM-XXXXXX) TBD

    February 2025 Metadata ManagementURM-XXXXXX

    Text.

    (URM-XXXXXX) TBD

    February 2025 Physical Resource ManagementURM-XXXXXX

    Text.

    (URM-XXXXXX) TBD

    February 2025 Electronic Resource ManagementURM-XXXXXX

    Text.

    (URM-XXXXXX) TBD

    February 2025 Collaborative NetworksURM-XXXXXX

    Text.

    (URM-XXXXXX) TBD

    February 2025 User Experience, Accessibility & InfrastructureURM-XXXXXX

    Text.

     

    -----March 2025 Stories------

    (URM-231695) Supporting Linked Data and VIAF for Local Authorities

    May 2025 Linked Open DataURM-231695

    Institutions that use local authorities (in Institution Zone or Network Zone) or copy Community Zone authorities to work with them locally can define global ID's to be extracted from the Authority records and mapped to VIAF (Virtual International Authority File). Institutions with local name authorities that are part of VIAF are able to view info cards, contributor pages and use the URI enrichment configuration.

    For more information, see Configuring Linked Open Data for Local Authorities.

    (URM-234172) Alma AI Metadata Assistant Developments

    AI Metadata Assistant: Request Specific Metadata
    May 2025 Metadata Management  URM-234172
    The AI Metadata Assistant now supports the ability to request a specific type of enrichment, such as table of contents, subjects or summary. This is especially helpful for catalogers who need a specific record enrichment or can provide images containing only partial information on a resource, and prefer a more granular metadata suggestion.
    For more information, see ??.
    Administrator Control: Manage Requested Metadata from AI Assistant
    May 2025 Metadata ManagementURM-234172
    Admins can now configure the AI Metadata Assistant to control which types of metadata are requested from the AI, providing greater oversight of AI-generated metadata suggestions. This includes the ability to disable specific metadata requests and specify the type of summary to request—either copied or AI-generated, or none at all.
    For more information, see ??.

    (URM-233539) Collections Activated from the Community Zone Now Have Separate Settings for Auto-Active and Auto-Delete Behaviors

    May 2025 Electronic Resource ManagementURM-233539

    Alma now enables a more precise configuration of how updates from the Community Zone affect collections. For collections activated from the Community Zone, two distinct settings are now available to manage new and deleted portfolios:

    • Activate new portfolios associated with the service automatically: This setting controls whether new portfolios added to the Community Zone are automatically activated.
    • Automatically delete portfolios removed from the service: This setting determines how to handle portfolios deleted from the Community Zone. If set to "Yes," the portfolio will be deleted; if set to "No," the portfolio will be unlinked and deactivated.

    All Community Zone updates are recorded in the Community Zone Updates Task List. For existing activated services, the newly added auto-delete setting will automatically inherit the value of the auto-active setting, ensuring that current behavior remains unchanged. Both settings can be modified at any time using the Service Editor, the Change E-Collection Information job, the API, or the E-Collection Quick Update application.

    For more information, see Working with the Community Zone Updates Task List.

    -----April 2025 Stories------

    (URM-238306) See URM-231695 (March Sprint)

    February 2025 Linked Open Data   CERV URM-238306

    Same as URM-231695...see March Sprint Story

    (URM-237625) Overlap Analysis Tool Can Now Be Used With Multiple Matching Identifiers in One Comparison

    February 2025 Metadata Management   CERV URM-237625

    25.02.25 - As per Liza V - Move to May Sprint

    09.03.25 - UPDATE - as per Liza V - Moved to August RN

    The Overlap Analysis tool can now be efficiently used to assess mixed content collections and analyze overlapping content using up to three different match methods in a single comparison.

    Both Collection Analysis and Look Up Titles now enable up to three matching identifiers per analysis. The identifiers are used in the defined order—the first match method is applied first, and only if no matches are found, the next match method is used.

    The results reports include, for each match found, the method used to obtain it. The additional match methods, if defined, also apply to the physical indication search.

    When uploading a file to the Look Up Titles analysis with multiple identifiers, be sure to format the identifier columns headers according to the new guidelines to have them included in the analysis.

    For more information, see ??.

    (URM-227209) TBD

    February 2025 Metadata Management idea exchange Idea ExchangeURM-227209

    25.02.25 - As per Liza V - Move to May Sprint

    (URM-237697) Delete Portfolios Directly from the Metadata Editor

    February 2025 Metadata Management   CERV  idea exchange Idea Exchange URM-237697

    It is now possible to delete portfolios directly from the Metadata Editor inventory section.

    For more information, see Navigating the Metadata Editor page > View Inventory.

    Metadata Editor - Delete Portfolios directly from Metadata Editor

    Delete Portfolios directly from Metadata Editor

    (URM-239551) Enhanced Electronic Portfolio Availability Information in Title Searches

    February 2025 Electronic Resource ManagementURM-239551

    The expanded electronic tab and the electronic portfolio section now include a calculated availability indication, taking into account both the portfolio and service status and reflecting the availability of the portfolio to patrons.
    This availability, as well as the availability set in the portfolio, are also added to the Excel created when exporting the electronic portfolio section.

    For more information, see Searching in Alma > Electronic Portfolios.

    Electronic Expanded Tab with Availability Indication

    Electronic Expanded Tab

    Electronic Portfolios Section with Availability indication

    Electronic Portfolios Section

    (URM-239635) Redirect Old Menu Links to New Central Configuration Dashboard

    February 2025 Collaborative Networks   CERV URM-239635

    Network Zone operators can now access the New Central Configuration Dashboard directly from the Alma Configuration search when no results are found. A link appears, enabling quick access to the relevant configuration settings.

    This enhancement improves access to configurations at the Network Zone level.

    This feature is only applicable to consortia with a Network Zone setup.

    For more information, see Accessing the Consortia Central Configuration Dashboard.

    A link in the Alma UI to NZ Configuration Dashboard when there is a zero search result in an NZ environment

    Link to Alma consortia configuration dashboard

     

    -----May 2025 Stories------

    (URM-241499) View Work Action for BIBFRAME Instances in All Titles Search

    May 2025 Linked Open DataURM-241499

    A new action in the All Titles search for BIBFRAME instance records enables users to navigate to the details page of the linked work within a sliding panel, improving navigation and display of the BIBFRAME work.

    For more information, see Performing Record Actions on the Repository Search Results Page.

    View Work Action in All Titles Search Results displaying the Work Instance in the Sliding Pane

    View Work Action in All Titles Search Results displaying the Work Instance in the Sliding Pane

    (URM-241208) TBD

    May 2025 Metadata Management idea exchange Idea ExchangeURM-241208

    In List of Resolved Defects.

    (URM-233575) AI Indication for CZ-Enriched Records

    May 2025 Metadata ManagementURM-233575

    In the new title searches UX, the AI indication (AI Indication icon) is now displayed for Community Zone records enriched by the Community Zone AI generator.

    For more information, see:

    • AI Bibliographic Records Enrichment
    • Search Results Icons

    AI Indication Displayed in the All Titles Search Results

    AI Indication Displayed in the All Titles Search Results

    (URM-240628) Enhanced Title Navigation in the Physical Holdings Search

    May 2025 Metadata ManagementURM-240628

    In the physical holdings search, viewing title information now opens the full title details instead of just the bibliographic record. This enables users to access the bibliographic record, its inventory, and related entities, as well as perform actions on the title and inventory based on their privileges. The Record View page remains accessible from the title details via the "View Record" action. This enhancement is especially useful for users who need to navigate seamlessly between holdings and titles while performing actions on both.

    For more information, see Performing Record Actions on the Repository Search Results Page.

    (URM-243313) Sunsetting the Classic Title Search UX

    May 2025 Metadata ManagementURM-243313

    The classic title search UX is being sunset and is no longer available. Users will transition to the new and improved title search experience, which offers enhanced functionality, better navigation, and a more streamlined workflow.

    For more information, see Introduction to the New Title Search Experience.

    (URM-235561) Adding Cataloger Notes in the Titles and Holdings Searches

    May 2025 Metadata ManagementURM-235561

    In title and holdings searches, catalogers can now view, add, edit, and delete notes directly without opening the Metadata Editor. Notes are only accessible for viewing or editing if the cataloger has permission in the Metadata Editor and the record is not locked. Additionally, notes can only be managed within the search scope where the record is maintained (institution, network, or community). This enhancement enables catalogers to quickly add notes to bibliographic or holdings records.

    For more information, see Searching in Alma > Notes Section.

    (URM-242386) Navigation Links Added to the Title Searches Export

    May 2025 Metadata ManagementURM-242386

    The new title search UX now includes single-click links to additional related entities, such as Related Records, Courses, Licenses, and Reminders, along with a link to the new Notes section for catalogers. These fields are also included in search exports to Excel, just like existing navigation links for Orders and Requests. This enhancement enables users to quickly identify records with related entities in their exported files at a glance.

    For more information, see Export to Excel.

    (URM-239539) Physical Holdings Search Labels Management for Physical Inventory Operators

    May 2025 Metadata ManagementURM-239539

    Since the repository search is available to all system users, managing repository search labels is restricted by a privilege, which is granted by default to administrators and managers. Previously, a single privilege controlled label management for both the physical holdings search and the new title searches. Now, separate privileges exist for bibliographic and physical holdings search labels, enabling physical inventory operators to manage physical holdings search labels by default without affecting title search labels.

    This update is particularly beneficial for physical inventory operators, who primarily use the physical holdings search and need to efficiently manage physical inventory. Libraries that wish to modify which roles can add and manage labels for title searches or the physical holdings search can contact Ex Libris support for assistance.

    For more information, see Repository Search Labels.

    (URM-239540) Enhanced Saved Facets in Title and Holdings Searches

    May 2025 Metadata ManagementURM-239540

    You can now save multiple facet combinations and quickly apply them to your searches, similar to the functionality on the Manage Sets page. Saved facets appear in the Saved drop-down list, where you can also set a default that is automatically applied to searches. Facet selections are now managed separately for each search scope (institution, network, community) to better support users who apply different workflows or search configurations to them.

    Users who previously saved facets in title searches before this update will find them under the institution scope in the drop-down list, labeled Pre-saved.

    For more information, see Saving Multiple Combinations of Facets.

    (URM-235395) XSL Normalization Process for Metadata Records

    May 2025 Metadata ManagementURM-235395

    XSL normalization of metadata records is now supported, enabling both manual and batch processing. Institutions can use XSL to manipulate metadata across all MARC-supported formats, enabling advanced data normalization through complex logic.

    Key updates:

    • The new enable_xsl_normalization_rules parameter is set to false by default for all customers, except for DC/MODS customers who have already defined XSL normalization rules, for whom it is set to true.

    • A new privilege, Normalization Rules Enabled, has been added to all cataloger roles. Institutions can control which users can create normalization rules (DROOLS or XSL) and disable this privilege for selected roles if needed.

    Customers who enable XSL normalization rules acknowledge that XSL is a programming language used to manipulate data and accept the associated risks.

    For more information, see:

    • Privileges for Roles in Alma
    • Configuring Other Settings (Resource Management)

    (URM-235304) New Partial Linking for Name/Title Headings

    May 2025 Metadata ManagementURM-235304

    A new algorithm improves MARC21 name field matching by enabling partial linking. It compares the full bibliographic heading against authority records, progressively removing subfields until a match is found or only core name subfields remain. When a partial match occurs, the Preferred Term Correction (PTC) job updates only the matched subfields, leaving others unchanged. Selecting an authority record via F3 overrides the corresponding subfields while preserving those not included in the preferred term.

    This enhancement enables more flexible linking of bibliographic name headings to authority records, improving match accuracy and efficiency while ensuring that only relevant subfields are updated in the bibliographic record.

    For more information, see:

    • Running a Job on a Selected Set in the Run a Job Page
    • Configuring Other Settings (Resource Management)

    (URM-238862) Searching for Titles with AI Generated Metadata

    May 2025 AI (? Change Component Tag) Metadata ManagementURM-238862

    Two new search indexes have been added to title searches:

    1. Processed with Alma AI tools – Searches for records created or enriched using Alma's AI Metadata Assistant.

    2. Enriched with AI metadata by CZ – Searches for Community Zone records that have been enriched with AI-generated metadata.

    These indexes help libraries quickly identify records cataloged with AI-generated metadata.

    The new indexes require re-indexing and will be fully operational for new, updated, and re-indexed records only. Full functionality will be available after the semi-annual indexing process is completed. In sandbox environments, they will become fully operational after the next refresh or re-indexing.

    For more information, see Search Index to MARC 21 Bibliographic Tag Mapping.

    Title Search Index - Processed With Alma AI Tools

    Title Search Index - Processed With Alma AI Tools

    Title Search Index - Enriched with AI Metadata By CZ

    Title Search Index - Enriched with AI Metadata By CZ

    (URM-240508) Request AI Metadata Assistant for Specific Metadata

    May 2025 AI (? Change Component Tag) Metadata ManagementURM-240508

    The AI Metadata Assistant now enables users to request specific types of enrichment, such as table of contents, subjects, or summaries. This feature is especially useful for catalogers who need targeted metadata enhancements or are working with images that contain only partial resource information, enabling more precise metadata suggestions. 

    For more information, see Enriching a Brief Record.

    (URM-237682) Upload Resource Descriptions in PDF and Word Document Formats in AI Metadata Assistant

    May 2025 AI (? Change Component Tag) Metadata ManagementURM-237682

    Catalogers can now upload a PDF or Word document (up to 4 pages) containing a resource description, in addition to JPEG and PNG images. For larger files, only the first 4 pages will be used to generate metadata.

    This feature is particularly useful for libraries that receive descriptive files and metadata from vendors, allowing them to generate or enrich records more efficiently.

    For more information, see Working with the AI Metadata Assistant > Creating a New Record.

    Upload - New Record from AI Assistant

    Upload - New Record from AI Assistant

    (URM-158995) Persistent Sorting Routine for Physical Items List

    May 2025 Physical Resource ManagementURM-158995

    When users select a sort method different from the default, their choice will now be saved. The selected sorting will persist the next time they view a physical items list, providing a more consistent experience.

    For more information, see Configuring Physical Item Sort Routines.

    Persistent Sorting in the Physical Items List

    Persistent Sorting in the Physical Items List

    (URM-235375) Institution Zone Administrator Notification for Configuration Release Request by Central Office

    May 2025 Collaborative NetworksURM-235375

    Institution Zone administrators (at the Member level) can now request the release of Imposed Mode on configurations managed by their Collaborative Network’s Central Office. This enhancement increases flexibility by allowing Institution Zone administrators to regain control over customizing configurations initially managed by the Central Office.

    This feature applies only to consortia with a Network Zone setup.

    For more information, see Request Release of a Configuration Managed by the Network.

    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    --MISC Add'l Stories from Previous Months--

     

     

    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Template

     

    RN ORDER:

    Fulfillment and Resource Sharing (FRS - 17)

    Linked Open Data (LOD - 19.05)

    Metadata Management (MDM - 14, 15, 16, 19)

    Physical Resource Management (PRM - 14, 15, 16, 19)

    Electronic Resource Management (ERM - 14, 15, 16, 19)

    Digital Resource Management (DIG - 10)

    Acquisitions (ACQ - 11)

    Collaborative Networks (COL - 20.08)

    User Experience, Accessibility & Infrastructure (ADM - 13, 18, 20, 21)

    Analytics (ANA - 10)

    API (12)

    DARA

    Cloud Apps

     

    (URM-191966) TBD

    May 2025 Physical Resource Management idea exchange Idea ExchangeURM-191966

    Text.

    For more information, see ??

    (URM-111222) TBD

    May 2025 Collaborative Networks   CERV URM-111222

    Text.

    For more information, see ??

    (URM-XXXXXX) TBD

    May 2025 Acquisitions    NERS NERS Enhancement (ID #7049) URM-XXXXXX

     

    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    [Add in Nov RN] - Additional Enhancements

    • May 2025 Resource Management SF: 05320435
      (URM-XXXXXX) [Example -->]The UNIMARC Bibliographic profile now includes a closed list of values for 7XX fields in the subfield $4. For more information, Working with Bibliographic Records. The UNIMARC Bibliographic 7XX $4 enhancement is in continuation of the enhancements included in the May 2025 Release. For a list of the enhancements in the May 2025 release, click here.URM-XXXXXX-199434
    • May 2025 Metadata Management idea exchange Idea Exchange
      (URM-XXXXXX) Text.URM-207816
    • ------------------------------------------------
    • May 2025 User Experience, Accessibility & Infrastructure
      (URM-198731) Ex Libris is committed to diligently address a wide range of accessibility issues as part of our ongoing efforts. Our dedication to improving accessibility encompasses a comprehensive approach, focusing on making our products, services, and digital content more inclusive and usable for all individuals, regardless of their abilities or disabilities.

      We are pleased to announce that within our August release, numerous accessibility improvements and fixes have been implemented. These efforts are a testament to our dedication to ensuring that our offerings are more accessible and user-friendly.URM-198731

    List of Resolved Issues

    • May 2025 Metadata Management SF: XXXXXXXX URM-XXXXXX
      TEXT.

    Example:

    • May 2025 Resource Management SF: XXXXXXXX URM-XXXXXX
      When exporting reports as a formatted Excel after a filter is applied an error message is displayed. This was fixed.

     

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