From Scratch to FOLIO: Building Our Library's New Foundation

In the digital age, libraries, including smaller special libraries, are increasingly moving from print to online resources. This shift creates an increased administrative burden that puts a strain on limited staff resources. Traditional management tools such as Excel spreadsheets and OPAC/discovery systems are no longer sufficient to effectively manage online resources. As a result, a comprehensive library management system has become essential. For libraries without a previous management system, the initial investment is significant, requiring both technical infrastructure upgrades and staff training. However, this investment provides an opportunity to re-evaluate and improve existing workflows, ultimately leading to more efficient and structured operations. This allows libraries to optimize resource utilization and meet the demands of online resource management. In response to these challenges, the special library featured in this poster has begun preparations to implement FOLIO in 2024. This poster examines FOLIO from the perspective of a special library, detailing the decision-making process and project progress. It explores why FOLIO is also attractive to smaller libraries, how it can streamline processes in the future, and the steps necessary for implementation. This poster aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the challenges and benefits associated with implementing FOLIO at a special library, and to serve as a guide for other libraries considering similar transitions.