The Library Systems team is in the process of replacing the library catalogue (HIP) with VuFind. The goal is to be live in time for Semester 1, 2023.

A working group (Damian Cairns, Donna Barber, Jenny Owens, John Arnold, Linda Sarihan and Rebecca Fisher) is currently reviewing the functionality, features and record displays.

What is VuFind?

VuFind is an open source library discovery platform that is supported by the Open Library Foundation. Have a play with the VuFind demo sites to find out more.

Why are we replacing HIP now instead of waiting until Horizon is replaced?

HIP is a legacy product and no longer supported by SirsiDynix. It’s running on older server software and can no longer be upgraded, which means that it can potentially become a security risk, and we may be forced to shut down HIP and/or the server at very short notice.

VuFind can be used as a discovery layer for any library management system/services platform, as well as other services, such as institutional repositories and digital image collections. This means we can continue to use it, even when Horizon is replaced.

Will VuFind have all the features currently available in HIP?

One downside is that bibliographic record data will only be updated overnight from Horizon exports. However, there are many improvements, including a more user-friendly and mobile responsive interface, and better user tools such as lists that can be categorised and made public.

A very early beta version is available to look at, but it is still mostly an out of the box implementation.
Please note, this catalogue is LIVE – any requests and cancellations will be actioned in Horizon!

What is the implementation timeline?

As soon as the working group’s recommendations are implemented, we will be asking for feedback. If you have any ideas that you’d like to contribute to the group now, feel free to get in touch with a working group member or Library Systems beforehand.

The goal is to have a near-completed first release available for library staff from December, providing enough time to update teaching materials in time for Semester 1.

We’ll then aim to go live in early February. At that point, we’ll replace HIP links on the website, publicise the new catalogue, and begin the process of updating links in Subject Guides and AKO | LEARN. HIP will continue to run in the background until links have been updated.

What impact will this have on staff and students?

VuFind has a relatively user-friendly interface that should make it an easy switch for most users.

My Lists in HIP may need to be migrated over to VuFind. In the event that this isn’t feasible, then users may need to manually recreate their lists in VuFind.

Academic staff that link to HIP in AKO | LEARN will need to update their links (we will try to do the bulk for them) and start to use the new linking format. Linking in VuFind is much more straightforward and links can be copied directly from the browser search bar.

Library staff may need to update teaching and learning materials, including screenshots and videos that may include HIP.

Any questions or comments?

Please post below or contact Library Systems.

Ngā mihi
Donna Barber
Library Systems