Borrowing Library books made easier

Alma is a next-generation library management solution that now provides library staff across Cambridge with a single platform for managing both digital and print collections, optimised workflows, facilitates sharing and ways of working together within a single database that libraries have not had before in Cambridge. After years of incredibly complex work by the implementation team at the University Library and by staff across all libraries, including our own, the system ‘went live’ at Magdalene on Monday 22 January.

With Alma the ease of finding, accessing and borrowing materials from the College Library will be greatly improved. Our library users will now benefit from a consistent experience across their College, Faculties and the University Library.

All our College resources now appear in the much improved iDiscover online catalogue. Over time we expect Alma to facilitate improved workflows for the College Library staff, enabling them to further enhance the services we provide as the College Library moves toward an exciting new period in its history.

The new Self-Service kiosk represents a key investment by the College in supporting students, Fellows and staff who use the Library. The Self-Service machine, supplied by D-Tech International, now provides a reliable and quick way for users to borrow and return their books, as well as the ability to check their library account.

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