This profile was created in conjunction with Laura Morse, the Director of Library Systems & Support in Library Technology Services at Harvard University.
Q: When are you planning to implement?
A: We purchased Leganto in July, 2017. We plan to kick off the implementation in November, 2017. We needed an extended time frame due to our size and concurrent Alma implementation. The plan is to do a cutover on July 17th, 2018 in time to handle the Fall 2018 reserves.
Q: What is the major benefit you hope to see as a result of your institutions use of Leganto?
A: We currently have a locally developed system, RLIST, that integrates with Canvas and Aleph via x-server APIs. This local system includes the core features Leganto provides for print collections and linking to licensed resources. We are looking forward to the faculty empowerment features (e.g. the browser add-on to allow for adding links), better analytics, and integration of scanning/copyright clearance (pending creation of Harvard Libraries wide copyright/fair use policy).
Q: What do you see as the major challenge you’ll encounter in getting your community of users to utilize Leganto?
A: Two things:
1. Our users are currently well versed in using the current RLIST tool inside of Canvas to request materials be added to reserves in most units. Three units are not widely using RLIST and will need more help in the transition to onboard faculty. All will need to be retrained on how to use the new tool, but they already use a similar product, so our concern relates to retraining, not adoption.
2. Our other major concern is developing workflows that will handle our scale, given that we are simultaneously implementation Alma. We are moving forward with Leganto at the same time to avoid redevelopment of the local tool’s integration points with Aleph.
Q: How will you measure success?
A: Course data converts and is accessible to the correct faculty/teaching staff in Alma.
Also, that creation of new lists/reuse of lists is successful for faculty/teaching staff in creating lists. Finally, adhoc review of course pack contents will no longer show that students are paying for materials in course pack available in licensed resources.
Q: How can the user group best be of help to you?
A: Information sharing on lists and at meetings, creation of best practices and tips from expert users.
Q: How do you see Leganto contributing to the positioning of your library within your University?
A: I hope this will not only be seen as a continuation of a strong program in course support, and also that new features of Leganto will be seen as a useful and positive step forward. We also now have a “Digital First” collection strategy; so the ease of integration with licensed resources should help this.
Carl Grant
Associate Dean, Knowledge Services & Chief Technology Officer
University of Oklahoma Libraries