As of June 30, Pioneers have more access than ever to essential scholarly materials, resources, and information, thanks to a significant software upgrade to OhioLINK, the academic library consortium that connects college and university libraries statewide.
Over the past two years, Marietta College’s Legacy Library has worked alongside 114 other member libraries to implement Clarivate’s Ex Libris Alma/Primo VE, a state-of-the-art cloud-based enterprise software system, which supports teaching, learning, and research for Ohio higher education institutions. The integrated library system modernizes search and discovery, streamlines resource sharing across institutions, and offers a more intuitive, user-friendly experience.
All OhioLINK member libraries went live on the fully operational system at the beginning of July, substantially expanding access for students, faculty, and staff across the state. This is a big step in strengthening the state’s academic infrastructure and positions member institutions to better serve today’s students.
At Marietta College, the new system provides a single platform for accessing scholarly content, whether through Legacy Library or across OhioLINK’s network of 115 member libraries at 86 higher education institutions. It’s more than a technology upgrade; it supports academic success by giving campus community members more opportunities to use library resources. The transition helps Legacy Library (and the entire OhioLINK network) to support a range of needs, from early-semester preparation to in-depth research, instruction and professional work.
Users can benefit from features ranging from a single search box for print and digital collections to instant access to licensed e-journals and e-books, AI-powered recommendations and citation management software and more. In all, the Ex Libris Alma/Primo VE system includes five apps that function to meet academic needs, supporting long-term goals in teaching and learning.
Legacy Library’s participation in this large-scale consortium project reflects a notable institutional commitment to both statewide collaboration and campus innovation.
This statewide effort, led by OhioLINK in partnership with Ex Libris, was funded by the Ohio Department of Higher Education. The collaboration drew on the expertise of librarians and IT teams from member institutions, including Marietta College. Their local implementation efforts not only supported their own communities but also contributed to improving library services for all member institutions.
OhioLINK will continue expanding services and infrastructure throughout 2026. As the system continues to evolve, it is expected to reduce student costs and improve academic outcomes by simplifying access to a broader world of knowledge.
Behind the scenes, the upgrade streamlines daily operations for library staff and optimizes capabilities, allowing for more informed decision-making that directly benefits students and faculty.
Kudos to the Legacy Library team for helping bring this milestone to life—not only for the Marietta College community, but for academics statewide. To explore your expanded access or learn more about what’s new, visit www.ohiolink.edu.