As we turn the page to 2017, here’s a look back at the blog posts that generated the most interest during the past year. Thanks for following us!

UX in Action: Ex Libris Primo New User Interface

In a series of posts early in 2016, we discussed the fundamental principles of UX design and how to apply them to library services. In this summary blog post we presented how Ex Libris put this approach into action in the new Primo user interface. See it here >>

Library Exploration through Serendipitous Discovery

One of the topics that drew the most attention in 2016 was the concept of exploring library collections through serendipitous discovery. In this blog we present five smart exploration tools that will provide your patrons with an opportunity for fresh encounters with information and spark new research directions. Explore here >>

Doctor’s Orders for Librarians in the New Library Space: Leave Your Desk!

Library spaces are evolving, and patrons’ expectations from the library are constantly growing. So how can librarians keep up? One of the ways librarians can get more done and cope with users’ needs is to gain the “freedom to move” – to leave their desks and do their jobs wherever they’re needed. Read about the Alma Mobile app >>

Primo Innovative Uses: Using Google Street View to Enhance the Discovery Experience

Many libraries using Ex Libris Primo are taking advantage of its flexible customization capabilities. They are tailoring the Primo interface and services to suit the goals of their specific institutions, as well as the needs and expectations of their users. In this post we look at how New Zealand’s Lincoln University enhanced their Primo using Google Street View. Take a Tour >>

Pokémon GO – To the Library?

What are some of the creative ideas libraries can adopt to attract students and increase usage of their services? Pokémon Go is only one of the ideas in this blog post… Check out the rest of the ideas here >>

Linked Data Collaboration Program Update

Early in 2016 Ex Libris launched the Linked Data Collaboration Program, aimed at defining the most valuable Linked Open Data capabilities in the fields of library resource management and discovery. To date, this program holds over 40 customers that help us shape the LoD roadmap of Alma, Primo, and Summon. See a review of the program here >>

Citation Trail: Expanding the Reach of Research

In another post dealing with serendipitous discovery, we introduced a recent addition to Primo exploration services – the citation trail. The citation trail tool allows you to explore a topic and collect material by following a chain of articles that cite each other, greatly expanding your research. Cite this! >>

The Evolution of Reading Lists – What Will Be the Next Step?

Reading lists are essential to teaching and learning. But with the huge amount of resources at their disposal, how can instructors create richer and more effective lists? And how can students easily access those materials, and explore beyond the main references? Modern reading list tools can help. Introducing Leganto, the Ex Libris reading list solution. Read here >>

Applying UX Principles to the Design of Library Discovery Services

Applying the essential UX design principles to your discovery service is almost as important as including all the resources your users will need for their searches. So what’s the path to getting there? In this blog post we present our five UX design principles and how to implement them. Read here >>

From the Developer’s Toolbox: Highlights from the Ex Libris Developer Network

Another successful blog series we ran this year was the “Developer’s Toolbox” – a look into some of the innovative ideas and product extensions that are shared by the Ex Libris customer community and the Ex Libris R&D team. Check out the first post of this series >>