Collaborative Futures Library Services Platform

Queen’s University Library has partnered with 18 other Ontario university libraries to implement a shared library services platform (LSP) as part of a project called Collaborative Futures. The new platform went live in December 2019, replacing our previous system (QCAT and Summon), and has improved library support for students, faculty, and staff by providing enhanced discovery and delivery of valuable information resources at Queen's and our partner institutions.

What Does This Mean for You? 

This means that we now have a powerful single search tool for searching across Queen’s and the other Ontario university partner library collections, called Omni. Omni gives you streamlined access to resources across all partner libraries. 

Recent and upcoming enhancements include:

• a seamless way to search and request print materials from Queen's and our partners across Ontario and beyond. For more details, see Request Materials from Omni.
• an updated and integrated eReserves system.  For more details, see Course Reserves for Faculty and Instructors.

More Information

Questions? Please see our guide Omni Search Tips. For more information please contact your Subject Librarian or Ask Us. 

Further details about this project can be found on the OCUL website. The shared platform provides a foundation for increasing collaboration over time as we build on the system capabilities and the shared expertise within the partnership.  

Background

Building upon 50 years of successful cooperative work among Ontario Council of University Libraries (OCUL) member libraries, this collaboration has included the selection, procurement, and implementation of a shared LSP that allows our libraries to improve our support for faculty and students; modernize internal workflows with greater streamlining and reduced duplication of effort; share expertise; reduce or redirect costs; and meet our stewardship responsibilities for the province’s valuable print and electronic research collections.

We have been busy implementing the new system and building the new consortial partnership and shared policy to address how we will work together to accomplish the priority collaboration goals in order to reap the benefits of collaboration in those areas where it makes most sense, while facilitating local differences where necessary. 

This has been a transformative opportunity to improve our services. We continue to deepen our connections with our partners, and work with them to leverage the evolving system functionality and efficiencies that will enhance the services we offer to our students, faculty, and staff. 

Partners

• Algoma University
• Brock University
• Carleton University
• University of Guelph
• Lakehead University
• Laurentian University
• McMaster University
• Nipissing University
• OCAD University
• Ontario Tech University
• University of Ottawa
• Queen’s University
• Toronto Metropolitan University (in progress, launch summer 2024)
• Trent University
• University of Waterloo
• University of Windsor
• Western University
• Wilfrid Laurier University
• York University

Collaborative Futures in Library News

• Improvements to our interlibrary loan service (August 3, 2021)
• Coming soon ... Omni! (December 3, 2019)
• Omni, the new, easy-to-use academic search tool (October 30, 2019)
• New Library System and Search Tool to Launch Dec. 12 (October 17, 2019)
• Key dates for Collaborative Futures Project (September 24, 2018)
• Announcement of selected Library Service Platform solution for Collaborative Futures (July 12, 2018)
• Entering the next phase of Collaborative Futures (January 22, 2018)
• Queen’s University Library announces participation in Phase 3 of OCUL Collaborative Futures project. (April 11, 2017)