What we do in Discovery & Technology Solutions

Back to Discovery & Technology Solutions.

Discovery & Technology Solutions brings together three essential areas of library operations: Discovery, Discovery Systems, and Technology Solutions. Each area plays a vital role in supporting the library’s mission through innovative services, system management, and user-focused technology.

We provide problem-solving support across the university libraries by troubleshooting technical issues and developing effective solutions. Whether it's resolving system errors, optimizing workflows, or supporting new initiatives, our team collaborates closely with departments to ensure smooth and efficient operations.

Learn more about each area here.

Discovery manages the back-end configuration settings of the UT Libraries OneSearch platform to help in optimizing search functionality. From configuring search scopes to fine-tuning search algorithms and working with our Cataloging, Digital Initiatives, and Metadata subject experts to make sure our metadata is effective for discovery. These behind-the-scenes activities ensure that users have access to accurate, relevant information quickly and efficiently.

What We Do - In Detail

Our unit supports a variety of both enterprise-level and special purpose systems and applications. We also maintain a number of processes related to system integrations for the purpose of data transfers, record loading, data extracts, etc.

Systems

Alma
Alma is our integrated library system, which went live in December 2014. It manages traditional library system modules such as cataloging, acquisitions, circulation (aka fulfillment), and serials. As a next-generation ILS, Alma also incorporates a link resolver module within the main system and built-in functionality for managing electronic resource workflows. Alma is a hosted software system provided by Clarivate's ExLibris.

OneSearch (Primo)
OneSearch refers to the online discovery interface through which library users search for materials, as well as the underlying search engines and technology which powers the system. Primo is a hosted software system provided by Clarivate's ExLibris.

Central Discovery Index (CDI)
The Central Discovery Index (CDI) is a comprehensive, centralized index that provides access to hundreds of millions of scholarly electronic resources, including journal articles, eBooks, conference proceedings, and more. This content is discoverable through the ‘Explore All’ tab in our OneSearch Discovery System. CDI is managed via Alma and is continuously updated to ensure broad and current coverage of academic content across disciplines.

Analytics / Data Warehouse
The Alma integrated library system pumps data into a data warehouse powered by the Oracle Business Intelligence platform, enabling us to provide custom reports to library faculty and staff.

ILLiad (Interlibrary Loan)
ILLiad is the resource sharing system which powers our Resource Sharing service. ILLiad is a hosted software solution provided by Atlas Systems.

Ordering and Acquisition Systems (GOBI, Rialto, and Juntar)
The Discovery Systems Unit provides technical support for the library’s ordering platforms, including GOBI (from GOBI Library Solutions), Rialto (Ex Libris’ academic content marketplace), and our custom-built system, Juntar. We manage sub-account configurations, mapping profiles, and record loading processes to ensure seamless integration with Alma.

In addition to maintaining these systems, we work closely with library staff to optimize acquisition workflows and ensure that each platform supports the library’s evolving needs. Our goal is to deliver efficient, flexible, and user-focused solutions for resource selection and procurement.

Binding System (Able)
ABLE is a web-based binding automation solution that helps manage the flow of materials between the library and the bindery.

Integrations with Other Campus Systems

Working with partners across campus, we build and manage links between library systems and UT campus systems to streamline data sharing. Here are a few of our larger processes we maintain.

DASH (Campus ERP System)
Our unit maintains custom processes and procedures to support the exchange of payment processing data with DASH, the university’s enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, which has replaced IRIS. DASH is built on the Oracle platform and serves as the centralized financial and administrative system for the University of Tennessee System. This integration is managed through a process referred to as A2D (“Alma to DASH”), enabling seamless data flow between the library system and the university’s financial infrastructure.

Banner (Bursar’s Office System)
A2B (“Alma to Banner”) is an automated process through which the university libraries send student fines older than 30 days to the campus bursar’s office for collection via the Banner system. This streamlined integration ensures timely and consistent handling of overdue fines, regardless of the amount owed.

Graduating Patron Update (Registrar’s Office)
Using data from the Registrar’s Office system, we manage a custom program that updates patron records in Alma by altering their expiration dates as well as changes due dates for items checked out.

Services

Alma data extracts
On a regular basis we perform data extracts from Alma for a variety of outside entities such as HathiTrust and Rapid Subscription Service.

Alma record loads
Our unit maintains and manages a number of automated record loads (aka Import Profiles) in Alma. This includes the YBP/Promptcat MARC records for firm and approval plans, YBP MARC record for electronic records, the Ebrary DDA profile records, YBP EOCR (brief) records, etc. We also maintain EDI record loads for both YBP and Harrassowitz.

Custom programs
Our unit creates a number of custom programs and services used by the campus community and library employees to help streamline workflow processes and extend functionality directly to our users. These programs include the Course Reserves system, faculty study checkout, graduate carrel checkout, new book feeds, etc.

The Technology Solutions Unit provides comprehensive technical support for desktop and mobile technologies, as well as many of the systems found throughout library spaces, including digital signage, search kiosks, and room reservation systems. We build, troubleshoot, and support both Mac and PC computers for all library employees, and we also install and maintain mobile devices, printers, and scanners.

Our team is available for technology consultations and can assist with a wide range of projects. We work closely with library administration and the business office to specify and procure technology through the Computer Upgrade Program, the budget request process, and the Technology Fee request process. In addition, we support departments and individual faculty and staff with technology ordering and implementation.