TRAILS provides a shared Integrated Library System (ILS) environment that members may choose to join or opt out of. The consortium manages network-level collections and system settings, while each member retains control over its own local collections and daily operations.

 

The ILS includes a shared Network Zone (NZ) that supports collaborative cataloging and peer-to-peer resource sharing across the consortium, collectively referred to as “TRAILS.”

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Alma and Primo VE​

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The TRAILS consortium currently uses Ex Libris' Alma for resource management and Ex Libris' Primo VE for discovery.

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• Alma is “a secure, scalable end-to-end library software system (ILS) for managing the acquisition, sharing, cataloging, and use of all kinds of resources” (Alma Overview, Ex Libris Knowledge Center).

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• Primo VE is the discovery layer over Alma. The members page contains links to the main view of each institution’s Primo VE instance.

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ELUNA

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TRAILS also manages invoicing for an ELUNA membership on behalf of members using Ex Libris products. Participation in ELUNA is optional, and members who opt in are billed the applicable vendor dues through the consortium.

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• ELUNA (Ex Libris users of North America) is the user community for Ex Libris customers in the Americas, while the International Group of Ex Libris Users (IGeLU) represents customers in other countries.

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• Once a year, TRAILS members who have opted to maintain an institutional ELUNA membership have the opportunity to vote in the CERV Enhancement Process for Alma and Primo.