Library System Migration Project

Overview

Wright Library is undertaking a multi-year project to replace its current library system with a new system. The goal of the project is to identify a next-stage library system for Wright Library to meet changing current and future needs, selecting a system that will serve the library’s research community for the next ten (10) years and go live on July 1, 2026.

System in use now: Since July 2020, Wright Library has used Sierra as its backbone system. Sierra is a popular system for mid-level academic libraries that is developed, supported, and hosted by vendor Innovative Interfaces, Inc. (part of Clarivate). The current contract for Sierra expires on June 30, 2026.

Project rationale: Since going live with Sierra, several changes have impacted the library landscape, including the introduction of new technologies and tools for managing paper and electronic resources, expanding options for collection discovery and use, and generational shifts in changing patron/scholar research practices. These big-picture changes are compounded by two major local developments in recent years. First, while continuing to collect heavily in print and maintain its heritage book, serials, and Special Collections, Wright Library has significantly expanded its electronic collections (e-books, e-journals, subscription databases, access to open and digitized content) to meet the needs of the Seminary’s pandemic and post-pandemic residential research community, its expansive alum network, and its physical and digital visiting patrons worldwide. Second, as the Seminary expands its reach via new modalities, growing hybrid, online learning, and lifelong learning research communities, new service and collection expectations have been placed on the library. Wright Library's backbone library system — and possibly new tools — need to shift now to take advantage of the new technologies to serve its growing and diversifying collections and patron groups.

Project Timeline: