The streamlined Primo search process enables users to quickly locate and obtain accurate, high-quality information anytime, anywhere. Features such as "did you mean?" and faceted navigation help users to focus their search and quickly identify the most relevant results. Incorporated Web 2.0 and social computing features, provide Primo users with the tools they need to share their library experience with other community members through ratings, reviews, and tags.
A long-time Ex Libris customer, UNILINC also uses the Aleph® integrated library system, the MetaLib® gateway and metasearch portal, the DigiTool® digital asset management system and the Verde® electronic resource management system, all by Ex Libris. Central to the work of the network are systems that provide autonomy of operations for member libraries and at the same time facilitate resource sharing at many levels.
Executive Director Rona Wade commented, "Members had looked at what was on the market that would provide a web 2.0 type of interface and bring together OPAC, MetaLib and DigiTool - and Primo met their requirements. UNILINC Office had also been investigating options for a substantial investment in the future to help mark the 30th anniversary of UNILINC. We reviewed a number of options but always came back to something that we could use across all of our systems for harvesting and for effective resource discovery and delivery. Within that we looked at Primo and other offerings our criteria being flexibility within our network context, integration with Circulation and ILL, effort required to support the system and ability for local libraries to customize - and we came to the same conclusion as our Members.
"We are very pleased that Ex Libris understands our service model and was able to meet our network ethos with the result that the UNILINC Board of Directors resolved to fund the purchase of Primo in celebration of the 30th anniversary of our founding. We look forward to rolling out the implementation," added Ms Wade.
"UNILINC is an important addition to the growing Primo community in Australia and New Zealand," commented Douglas Barnard, managing director of Ex Libris Australia. "We are honored that UNILINC has selected Primo as its 30th anniversary gift to the thousands of students and researchers who rely on the diverse collections maintained by this wide-ranging network of libraries. It has been a pleasure to work in partnership with UNILINC over the past 8 years. Primo provides another platform around which to continue our close collaboration with UNILINC for many years to come."