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**Alma/Primo VE Main Resource Guide

This guide is one-stop site for everything related to FLVC's integrated library system (Alma) and discovery tool (Primo VE). Included are sections on training courses, basic functions of Alma, access to test environments, managing staff accounts, and more

Q&A November 2024 New Features Webinar

Update on Primo VE New Feature - Verbatim Search Option for CDI Searches

  • There have been many problems reported on the ExLibris Primo Listserv about Verbatim Search feature
  • The issues have been fixed by ExLibris as of November 20, 2024. 
  1. Regarding, Manage Patron Services New UI
  • With the new UI, I am unable to see the notes.

You might need to enlarge/resize your screen, the notes are listed in the new UI.

New UI notes lower left corner of screen

2.  Regarding the new Metadata AI Assistant

  • What if I don’t see the Yes or No options to enable Metadata AI Assistant?

You will need Admin roles:  General Administrator and Catalog Administrator.

Please consult the Library Role Administrator at your institution/library for assistance, or submit a HelpDesk case and FLVC will be happy to activate this for you. 

3. Regarding the new Metadata AI Assistant

  • Where is the metadata coming from?

The metadata is generated by an AI LLM, according to the information provided by the cataloger (either manually or from a bib record being enriched). Currently, the input information supported is the resource’s title (which is mandatory), as well as optional information about author, ISBN, summary note and content note, and images of the resource (e.g. title page, back cover, table of contents). 

As with all AI models, the model’s training data is also used to generate a response – this includes knowledge of MARC fields and subfields, relevant LC subjects, and if information on the specific resource exists in the AI model’s training data (e.g. publishing year, author’s birth year, resource description) – that may be used in the generation of the metadata as well.

4. Regarding the new Metadata AI Assistant

  • Would AI be an alternative for libraries without OCLC Access?

It could be an alternative to help with creating records from scratch.  The Metadata assistant is in Phase I right now and probably shouldn’t as a replacement for current Cataloging practices without extensive verification of the data. For  adoption as part of your workflow,  it would be best to wait for the final release of the feature, after it’s been thoroughly vetted and tested.  The expected final release date is May 2025.

See ExL KB for AI Metadata Assistant  "The subjects provided are validated against Library of Congress vocabularies, with plans to increase the selection of authority vocabularies in future phases."

ExLibris welcomes your feedback, which can be submitted through the AI feedback button in the MD Editor when working on a draft created or enriched with AI.

5. Regarding, Improved Handling of Bib Records Upon Physical Holdings Relink or Deletion

  • Do we need to copy to Cataloging before deleting?

No, once you make the decision in the pop-up, the unlinking will already be handled. (Functionality tested and verified)