What is Alma/Primo?
Answer
As a member of the OhioLINK library consortium, the University of Cincinnati Libraries is upgrading our library system software to Ex Libris Alma and Primo, going live in summer 2025. Alma is state-of-the-art library systems software (LSP), and the most-used library system in U.S. academic libraries. More than 65% of Association of Research Libraries use Alma.
This cloud-based, enterprise system software is the backbone of day-to-day library operations (acquisitions, cataloging, circulation, etc.), and generates the underlying data that drives library business decisions and reporting.
Primo is the “discovery” interface that students, faculty and other library patrons use to find (and access) information in the library’s collection. Its user-friendly interactions will be more user intuitive and similar to today’s consumer products.
In late 2025 and early 2026, we will roll out other applications as part of the same system package, including one that links the library to Catalyst to manage course reading lists. If you have any questions, please contact your subject librarian.