Library to Improve Research and Information Discovery with New Search Functionality

The University of Delaware Library, Museums and Press will be upgrading its catalog, DELCAT, with a new services platform that is set to go live on Tuesday, June 13, 2023. After nine years on the current system, the new cloud-based platform will offer users an enhanced, user-friendly discovery experience with simplified searching.

“Increasing the academic success and engagement of our students and faculty is one of our key priorities at the University of Delaware Library, Museums and Press,” said Trevor A. Dawes, vice provost for libraries and museums and May Morris University Librarian. “We are excited to implement this innovative system that will facilitate enhanced user experience and staff efficiency. Because of this migration, UD Library, Museums and Press will be on par with leading academic research libraries across the nation.”

The new platform, a product of Ex Libris called Alma, is a next generation unified research management system that delivers seamless collaboration between the library and campus systems, while ensuring that library operations are connected across teaching and research initiatives. This platform is currently in use at hundreds of academic libraries, including Princeton, Harvard and regional institutions, such as Thomas Jefferson University. Features include:

• Enhanced search capabilities and a more intuitive user interface
• Better visibility and discovery of local collections and resources
• The ability to virtually browse in a variety of ways
• Analytics that will allow library staff to make better-informed, evidence-based decisions

While the front-end interface of the new catalog will look different, Library staff have spent the past 10 months preparing for the integration by ensuring data is migrated fully to the new catalog platform.

To ensure that no records are lost in the move, the Library will be suspending the purchase of library materials from March 1 through June 30. During this time, faculty may still send requests to their library liaison, but they will be placed on hold until the new platform goes live.

As part of the migration, Library staff will also be updating research guides, video tutorials and other teaching materials to reflect the new services platform. Workshops and additional support will be available throughout the summer and fall for faculty whose course materials may be impacted by this change.

We thank you for your patience and understanding as we enter into the last phase of this migration. We are excited to provide you with an improved catalog experience.

For any additional questions or concerns, please email delcat@udel.edu.