ArrowDynamics: Besse Library Learning Commons News

As a member of the OhioLINK academic library consortium Ursuline College Ralph M. Besse Library will be upgrading its library system to Ex Libris Alma/Primo in the summer of 2025. 

Alma/Primo is the most-used library system in U.S. academic libraries. More than 65% of Association of Research Libraries use Alma, including Harvard, Yale, Duke, and University of Texas. 

The new enterprise software manages day-to-day library operations as well as helps faculty and students find and access the information they need for teaching, learning and research.

 We are looking forward to enhancing services for faculty and students. The software also has a more intuitive interface to find print and electronic library materials, and a mobile app for using the library on the go.  

As we get closer to “go live” you will see more information about the new system and changes. Training will be available to help you through the transition. 

Watch the library website and this newsletter for more information. If you have questions, please email library@ursuline.edu.

Instructional Design by Ashley Hernandez

Welcome to 2025! A year that once felt so distant is now upon us. Every semester seems to go faster than the last, yet we accomplish so much. We all have a number of things we are juggling or plates we are spinning to keep this mighty campus moving forward. The Library and Learning Commons staff are very familiar with this feeling, and we felt it was time to develop a way of sharing what is on our spinning plates to allow the Ursuline College community to take advantage of the fruits of our labor. We also have things happening in our professions that weigh us down, and we want to share our thoughts with our community. Here, I present the first article of our newsletter, ArrowDynamics. 

Why ArrowDynamics? Well, you will see articles from some dynamic individuals who make up the various Library and Learning Commons departments. Voices will be heard from our campus experts in research, writing, tutoring, advising, college archives, instructional design and technology, audio and video creation, and information technology (IT). Here are just a few things you can expect to see in the coming months.

• Updates on the new Ebsco interface
• Progress on the library’s migration and implementation of Exlibris’s Alma and Primo VE
• IT is on the move
• The college archive goes public
• Who’s getting a badge on their course
• Tips on writing
• Training, training, training…….
• And more

This year, like those of the past, is about new beginnings. I invite you to follow us and witness the ArrowDynamics of the Library and Learning Commons team.

Expand your knowledge in a range of topics through Elsevier's free, self-paced courses. Each course includes updated learning content, tips and tricks from librarians across the globe, additional open resources and more.

Current Courses offered include:

Foundations of AI

https://www.elsevier.com/librarian/library-connect-academy#1-genai-literacy-program