Initial Request

• Review the technical specifications for the Ex Libris content systems (listed below for each product).
• Contact Provider.Relations@exlibrisgroup.com and request Ex Libris Provider Relations (PR) team to review the request for inclusion. In order to proceed, the following details must be provided:
  • Which Ex Libris products are requested for ingestion: Alma, SFX, 360, Summon, and/or Primo
  • Description of your products, including how mutual clients purchase your products (e.g. single title purchase, collection purchase) so we can accurately represent our mutual clients' subscriptions
  • Delivery method:
    • Sample data or initial load details (supply links or FTP credentials)
    • Details on how to perform updates:
      1. Expected update frequency if the content changes over time or let us know if it is closed and only needs a one-time load.
      2. Location of updates.
  • Linking parameters
  • Dedicated contact(s) for on-going maintenance.
• One of our engagement managers will raise the request with our Content Product Manager.
• We will be in touch when we have made a decision or if we need any further information.

Ingestion Process

• Contract signing
  • For Alma CZ MARC Enrichment and CDI ingestion for non-Open Access content, we will need to work with our Global Content Alliance (GCA) team and your legal contacts to sign an agreement.
    • This step is not necessary for the KBs or Open Access Discovery content, though we may need to clarify the terms and conditions for Open Access content, as there are various models.
• Sample Review
  • We will review the files and provide feedback and/or any questions.
  • Once all questions are answers and changes made (if necessary), we will coordinate internally:
    • Submit ticket(s) to Operations team(s) for the work to be completed.
    • Confirm with our Product Manager for timeline on the product roadmap(s).
• Release
  • We will let you know when the content is scheduled for release.
  • Operations team(s) will:
    • Configure the content for loading.
    • Raise any questions or concerns to the PR team, who will get in touch with you to work through the questions or problems.
    • Set the automation to periodically refresh the content.
    • Release the initial data load.
• Maintenance
  • Content will be regularly refreshed based on agreed schedule and availability of new files.
    • Note this does not apply for closed collections or feeds.
  • Periodic reviews are made of content to improve the customer experience.
  • Either party (you or us) will contact one another to communicate issues that affect customers, and/or Ex Libris’ ability to obtain and load data.

Alma, SFX, and 360 KB

We can set up full text collections (or zero title) in our knowledgebases (KBs) and link resolvers, for our mutual clients to manage their electronic resources. KBs, like library catalogs, keep track of what a library has in their collection and help to connect a library user with the information they seek. Since most institutions spend more on their online resources than print, knowledgebases are crucial to day-to-day library operations and for getting users from the library’s collection to your content. KBs are driven by data supplied from organizations like yours to KB vendors.

MARC Enrichment

Our mutual clients desire the richest, fullest possible records in the KBs. This can be supported via 360 MARC and Alma CZ.

The overall aim of enrichment is to reduce the need of each library to invest in improving bibliographic records by cataloging, or load additional descriptive records when acquiring electronic resources. Full, descriptive electronic records allow librarians to more easily manage their electronic resources. In turn, this creates an integrated experience between their library catalog and purchased titles, enabling easier access to full text on your content platform.

At the same time, when records are not enriched, missing data (authors, identifiers, subject/name headings, etc.) can be commonly reported by our mutual customers. By increasing the number of identifiers and other access points, enrichment can also improve link resolution to your site, as well as increase access via search and Discovery platforms.

Primo and Summon / Central Discovery Index (CDI)

The Central Discovery Index (CDI) from Ex Libris powers the Discovery products Primo and Summon. Ingestion in CDI means the content will be available in both Primo and Summon.

More information on CDI is available here: The Ex Libris Central Discovery Index (CDI) – An Overview

Please note that our mutual clients activate either collections or titles in the KB so that their patrons will see that they have access to your content via Primo or Summon. In other words, in order to ingest in CDI, we will also need to coordinate with you on ingestion in the KBs.