2014 Charleston Library Conference

NCSU Libraries recently implemented the CORAL ERMS for managing firm order monograph acquisition workflows. This session reviews the benefits and pitfalls of using an erms to handle both print and electronic monograph firm orders. In the new workflow every firm order request whether received via email, IM, phone call or paper is entered into the erms and assigned to a specific staff member. Staff members receive alerts and a workflow queue of items waiting to be ordered. NCSU Libraries found that using CORAL led to fewer lost firm order requests, fewer failed patron holds for print material, and fewer failed activations for electronic books. The NCSU Libraries also identified potential enhancements to the system which will allow the CORAL ERMS to manage print and electronic resources for both monograph and serials units within a single application. This project is a positive example of a monographs unit participating in an erms environment historically the realm of serials and ejournal managers. Attendees will learn how a versatile and low cost workflow tool has improved the processing and tracking of monograph orders and created a more efficient and expedient process. Attendees will leave the meeting contemplating the benefits a workflow tool can bring to their firm order acquisition processes. Attendees will also leave the meeting with sufficient information to begin investigating coral as a potential tool for their local environment.