Library automation solutions provider Ex Libris® Group has announced that the University of Applied Sciences Zwickau (WHZ) has become the fifth library of the Southwest German Library Network (SWB) to select the next generation library management system Alma. Changing user expectations, the increasing use of e-resources, and the flexible acquisition functionality in Alma were the key reasons for their decision.
According to Reingard Al-Hassan, director of the WHZ Library, since 2013, database searches have increased threefold and access to digital resources has risen by 50 percent, whilst print loans have dramatically decreased. The library needed a library system which would help to further develop management of library resources and enable deal efficiently and effectively with these trends. Alma will provide the WHZ Library with insightful analytics to assist with budgeting and a cooperative network to assist in its mission.
Additionally, it is expected that Alma will considerably reduce the administrative workload on staff and thereby enable them to spend more time on supporting the research activities of users.
