The University of Tennessee at Martin, a leading public institution within the University of Tennessee System, has selected Alma and Primo VE from Clarivate to modernize its library infrastructure and unify services under a single, cloud-based platform.
This strategic decision marks a key milestone in the university’s ongoing efforts to enhance operational efficiency, improve resource discovery, and strengthen the role of the Paul Meek Library – the central hub for learning and research at UT Martin, in supporting students and faculty across the institution.
As a regional comprehensive university serving approximately 8,100 students, UT Martin operates a lean and efficient library that supports both traditional and distance learners.
“The Alma and Primo solutions provide an excellent balance between contract cost and the local technical resources needed to maintain the system,” said Erik Nordberg, Dean of the Paul Meek Library. “Improving the library’s information platforms will be critical to engaging and supporting remote learners as well as our traditional on-campus students.”
UT Martin has set an ambitious goal to increase enrollment to 10,000 students by 2030, a plan that includes expanding online programs, teaching at six regional centers, and building dual-enrollment partnerships with high schools across Tennessee. The implementation of Alma and Primo VE will help support this growth by offering seamless access to library resources for students and faculty anytime, anywhere.
The decision also reflects the university’s pragmatic approach to managing costs and technical capacity. While open-source systems may appear to offer lower annual fees, they typically require significant local staffing to maintain and customize. For smaller institutions – especially those in rural areas where technical recruitment can be challenging – Clarivate’s turnkey, cloud-based solutions offer sustainable efficiency, reducing the need for in-house technical specialists while maintaining robust service and support.
The Clarivate team will work closely with UT Martin to ensure a smooth migration and implementation, supporting the university’s vision for a modern, connected library experience.
“The University of Tennessee at Martin demonstrates how forward-thinking institutions are redefining the role of the library on campus,” said Asaf Kline, Vice President of Product Management at Clarivate. “We are proud to support their mission with world-class solutions that drive efficiency, enable discovery, and elevate academic excellence.”
This commitment to innovation is reflected in the work of the Paul Meek Library, which partners closely with the university’s IT Services unit to maintain a robust suite of software and digital resources. By joining the growing community of Alma and Primo VE institutions worldwide, UT Martin reaffirms its commitment to innovation, collaboration, and student success – ensuring that its library remains a cornerstone of academic excellence well into the future.
