IGeLU 2025

Conference

Drawing from frontline experience managing academic library operations during crisis, this session explores how Ex Libris solutions can be leveraged for emergency response. We examine Alma's configuration capabilities for crisis management, including automated loan extensions, bulk notifications and workflow modifications that maintained essential services. The presentation demonstrates how Alma's analytics provided critical decision-making data during rapidly changing circumstances, and how circulation policies were dynamically adjusted. We explore Rialto's role in emergency e-book management, particularly how its recommendation engine and approval workflows rapidly expanded electronic collections when physical access was restricted. The session addresses gaps identified in current Ex Libris functionality during high-pressure situations and shares creative workarounds developed by library staff, providing attendees with practical insights for maximizing these tools during emergencies.

Conference theme: Celebrating 20 years of community