BIBSYS, which provides services to a consortium that includes the National Library of Norway and about 100 research libraries in the country, has selected Primo from Ex Libris as its discovery service. These libraries currently rely on a library automation system developed by BIBSYS. Rather than creating its own discovery interface, the organization opted to investigate commercial products. Following an evaluation process, Primo from Ex Libris was selected.
The selection of Primo is noteworthy given the recent history of BIBSYS. Although BIBSYS had a history of developing its own automation products, in March 2010 it went out to procure a commercial library management system. BIBSYS selected WorldShare Management Services from OCLC, with the intention of not only using the functionality provided in the product, but to also implement locally-created services based on the WorldShare APIs. In October 2012, however, BIBSYS and OCLC mutually dissolved the partnership and BIBSYS opted to continue with its locally developed system at least for an interim period. This event was covered in the October 2012 issue of Smart Libraries Newsletter.
