Fresenius University of Applied Sciences has completed a major technological transformation of its library services by migrating to Ex Libris’ Alma and Primo platforms. The move marks a significant step in the university’s push to modernize its library infrastructure and deliver a seamless, digital-first experience to students and faculty alike.
Embracing a modern library vision
Prior to the migration, the university was operating on a system that posed several operational and strategic challenges. According to library staff, the legacy software was outdated and lacked vital functionality, particularly in areas like electronic resource support and reporting capabilities. The demand for a more intuitive and user-centric library experience had also intensified in recent years.
“The old system simply wasn’t equipped to support the evolving needs of our users,” said the head of the library, Sylvia Böttger. “With increasing emphasis on further expenditure for electronic material and its access, we recognized the urgent need to modernize our library services.”
Strategic benefits of Alma and Primo
The decision to adopt Alma and Primo was driven by several clear benefits. Chief among them was the ability to better manage and provide access to electronic resources — a capability that has become mission-critical since the university adopted an “e-first” strategy following the onset of the pandemic.
Other anticipated benefits included a unified back-office system to streamline workflows and significantly increase the usage and discoverability of electronic materials.
The library took a proactive approach in evaluating Ex Libris solutions by attending several informative webinars hosted by the company, allowing them to gain direct insights into the platforms’ capabilities and how they aligned with institutional goals.
Addressing the challenges of a distributed library network
In addition to these strategic advantages, a particular challenge for the university library was maintaining operations despite the physical separation of its eight university locations across Germany. The limited number of local staff, combined with a wide range of specialist knowledge across sites, made this especially complex.
This reality necessitated the adoption of an intuitive software-as-a-service solution capable of optimally supporting library staff at each location in managing their diverse day-to-day tasks. Alma and Primo offered the flexibility and ease of use required to ensure consistent service quality and operational efficiency across the university’s distributed network.
A trusted partnership and a smoother workflow
Fresenius University has enjoyed a longstanding relationship with Ex Libris, spanning more than two decades. This familiarity played a role in the decision to move forward with Alma and Primo. “We’ve always seen Ex Libris as a trustworthy and reliable partner,” the head of the library noted.
Since the migration, the library team — which includes eight staff members — has seen tangible improvements in their daily operations. Accessing the central knowledge base is now faster and more seamless, which saves valuable time. Copy-cataloguing has also been markedly improved, and new reporting features, such as those for overdue loans, have enhanced operational oversight.
Looking ahead
With Alma and Primo now fully integrated into its infrastructure, Fresenius University is well-positioned to continue evolving its digital library services. The shift represents more than just a technological upgrade; it underscores the university’s commitment to innovation and student-centered service delivery in a rapidly changing academic landscape.
Learn more about how the Alma library management system and Primo library discovery service, are the right choices for your library.
