Library System Migration

Covenant and MOBIUS are launching a new library platform on May 22. Find out more about this transition and how it will impact you.

 
 

Welcome to FOLIO

Covenant has been running on the same library system alongside the other MOBIUS libraries for over 20 years! Now, MOBIUS is moving to a new, modern, open source library platform called FOLIO. FOLIO will be a fresh foundation on which we can build new and innovative library services.

The transition to FOLIO began quietly this past summer, but signs of change will become more prominent as we approach the launch date—May 22.

Discovery

The first new thing you will notice is Covenant Discovery, which allows you to search all of the library’s resources—books, e‑books, articles, media, and more—from one search box.

Try Covenant Discovery
 

MOBIUS Transition

To ensure a smooth transition to the new library system, MOBIUS will temporarily suspend requesting through the MOBIUS catalog and on-site borrowing at other MOBIUS libraries on April 18.

MOBIUS requesting will be re-enabled on June 12 when the new MOBIUS catalog launches. (On-site borrowing at other MOBIUS libraries will resume some time later.)

Timeline

 

January 12

Suspension of requesting from Prospector (partner libraries in Colorado & Wyoming).

April 18

Suspension of requesting through the MOBIUS catalog and on-site borrowing at other MOBIUS libraries.

May 6

Local circulation data freeze. All circulation transactions will be recorded manually and processed in the new system after launch. Availability information in the catalog may not be accurate.

May 22

Launch day. The new library platform goes live with a new catalog and new staff systems.

June 12

Requesting through the new MOBIUS catalog resumes. (On-site borrowing at other MOBIUS libraries and Pickup Anywhere service will resume later.)

FAQ

  • Covenant and MOBIUS are moving to a new, modern library platform to enhance library services. The new platform will have the greatest impact on staff as the whole back end of managing the library will change, but it also means a new catalog and discovery experience for our students and faculty.

  • Our current library system was implemented over 20 years ago when the MOBIUS consortium was created. Since then, the library landscape has changed and new opportunities are on the horizon. Moving to a new, modern library system, alongside our partners at MOBIUS, will enable us to lay a foundation to grasp those opportunities.

  • The migration is a multi-step process that began last summer. Final data extracts will take place starting April 18, and the new system will be launched on May 22.

  • Yes, anyone with a Covenant library account will be able to check out books from our collection throughout the migration. (There will be a brief time right before launch when transactions will be recorded manually, but you will still be able to check out books.)

    Item requests and on-site borrowing from partner MOBIUS libraries will be suspended on April 18 until the migration is complete.

  • Requesting in the MOBIUS catalog will be suspended on the morning of April 18, so get all your MOBIUS requests in by April 17.

  • No, there is no particular date by which you must return your library books apart from the regular due date. Any books checked out to you at the time of the circulation freeze will transfer over to your account in the new system. Any books that you return during the circulation freeze will be processed in the new system after launch and backdated to the date returned.

  • After the suspension of MOBIUS service on April 18, you will not be able to check out books on-site at other MOBIUS libraries or request that books be sent to other MOBIUS libraries for pickup.

    MOBIUS requesting will resume on June 12.

    The functionality to support on-site MOBIUS borrowing and Pickup Anywhere service is on the development roadmap for the new system and will be enabled some time later.

  • Through April 17, current MOBIUS loans may be renewed, if eligible. Renewals of current MOBIUS loans will not be possible starting April 18.

  • You can request books from other libraries via interlibrary loan.

    1. Use either the MOBIUS catalog or WorldCat to find the book that you want to request.

    2. Make note of the key publication info, like the title, author, publisher, date of publication, and ISBN.

    3. Head over to our ILL request form, log in with your library account, and enter the publication info.

    4. Allow 7–14 days for your book to arrive.

The New Platform

  • Discovery

    The Covenant Discovery search will be your one-stop shop to find books, e-books, articles, media, and more.

  • Catalog

    The Locate classic catalog will search our physical holdings and owned e-books.

  • Full Text Finder

    The Find Full Text @ Covenant service will be powered by a new knowledgebase to help you find article PDFs.

  • FOLIO LSP

    FOLIO will manage the library’s operations from acquisitions, to cataloging, to circulation.

  • Panorama

    The Panorama data analytics and visualization platform will give the library staff insight into library usage and aid planning.

  • Open RS

    The new OpenRS resource sharing system will manage requesting and borrowing within MOBIUS and enable new partners to join our network.