Alliant International University Partners with EBSCO for Library Innovations

Alliant International University Chooses EBSCO FOLIO for Library Modernization

Alliant International University, which spans several campuses in California, has embarked on a transformative journey by adopting EBSCO's FOLIO platform to modernize library operations. The decision highlights the institution's commitment to enhancing the educational experience for both students and faculty through improved workflows within its library systems.

For nearly 15 years, Alliant International University relied on its previous Integrated Library System (ILS). Now, with the implementation of FOLIO, the university aims to bring a new level of efficiency and effectiveness to its six campuses. The FOLIO platform promises not only to streamline library workflows but also to provide a consistent and user-friendly interface for research across all campuses.

Scott Zimmer, the University Librarian, emphasizes that FOLIO aligns with the university’s mission of promoting scholarship and access to quality resources. He states, "FOLIO allows us to bring together our discovery, management, and analytics tools into a single connected environment." This integration is set to simplify processes for library staff and ensure that users have a seamless experience while navigating academic material.

The partnership with EBSCO is particularly significant as it leverages a network of global institutions that utilize FOLIO, encouraging open collaboration and sharing of best practices. As Alliant's libraries already employ enhanced integrated discovery and collection management capabilities facilitated by EBSCO, transitioning to FOLIO is a natural progression that promises to elevate the library's functionality.

Moreover, the earlier transition to EBSCO Discovery Service™ (EDS) and Full Text Finder™ (FTF) has set a strong foundation for this forthcoming change. The phased approach to implementation aids in ensuring that Alliant can adopt the new system efficiently, minimizing disruption to current library services.

Kathy McCarthy, EBSCO's Director of SaaS Innovation, highlights that Alliant's choice to implement FOLIO alongside existing EBSCO solutions demonstrates the immense potential of a unified library ecosystem. She states, "Together, these tools enable libraries to streamline operations, make informed decisions, and deliver a seamless experience for their users." This partnership showcases a dedicated effort to evolve into a data-driven research environment, optimizing resource management and expanding access to academic materials.

In essence, Alliant International University's collaboration with EBSCO is a clear demonstration of how educational institutions are increasingly harnessing technology to enhance learning outcomes. The move to the FOLIO platform represents a forward-thinking approach to library management, ensuring that all students and faculty have the tools they need to thrive in an ever-evolving academic landscape.

As this implementation unfolds, the university aims to lead by example in the academic community by showcasing the continuous improvement of library services. The mission to foster a more accessible and effective research environment signals a promising direction for Alliant and its mission to advance knowledge and scholarship instruments.

In summary, the decision to modernize library operations with EBSCO's FOLIO not only marks a significant upgrade for Alliant International University but also aligns with a larger trend in academic libraries worldwide. The goal is clear: to provide an enriched educational experience through innovative technology integration that caters to the diverse needs of the university's scholarly community.