IGeLU 2023 Conference and Developers' Day

These sessions will provide an exploration of Primo VE from three institutions at different phases: already migrated, planned migration, and feasibility of migration. Discussions will include technical hurdles, decision-making processes, challenges, and benefits.

(1) *What's stopping us from migrating to Primo VE? An analysis from a Back Office holdout*, by Corinna Baksik
Harvard University has been on Primo Back Office since 2014. Is it possible to migrate to VE without losing important customizations? We have hundreds of custom normalization rules, 6 external data sources representing over 10 million records, a custom view for image discovery with hierarchical data, a custom view for curated database discovery, and numerous local features. How much of this can VE support? We have no firm plans to migrate as of this proposal submission, but are reviewing the feasibility of doing so. Discussion will include the primary technical hurdles to migration and possible workarounds. Solutions from the audience are encouraged!

(2) *To Primo VE or not to Primo VE and why haven't everyone moved yet and why would you?*, by Gaith Bader
The implementation of library systems witnessed a major shift with the rise of Library Services Platforms that are more complex. Primo VE as the latest discovery layer for Alma was Ex Libris' answer to try reversing the complexity trend. We'll examine decision-making processes surrounding the adoption or non-adoption of VE, exploring the factors that influenced the University of New South Wales Library choices. Despite the benefits offered by VE, such as its real-time discovery and simplified configuration, not all libraries made the switch. We'll explore the reasons behind this, shedding light on the barriers and challenges faced by UNSW Library in deciding to move to VE. Moreover, we'll explore what drives libraries to adopt VE, emphasising the advantages it offers such as better integration and reduced overheads. By examining both the barriers and benefits associated with VE, we'll provide insights for libraries thinking of migrating and offer tips for a more successful one.

(3) *Two Years After Implementation of Primo VE - How Things Stand Without BO*, by Andrea Zech
At the Freie Universität Berlin, we skipped the "Go VE" process and completely rebuilt our discovery layer. Starting from scratch has many advantages, but there are also some limitations that only became clear during implementation. More than two years after its launch, this will be a stocktaking of how things have evolved and what challenges currently exist and will need to be addressed in the future.

Migration / Implementation

Primo / Primo VE

Physical session (+ live streaming with Zoom)