NZ: Consortia Central Configuration Dashboard for Distributing Shared Configuration

Background

The Network Zone Alma Instance has always had the ability to push select configuration to campus Institutional Zones. For example, it can distribute the Resource Sharing Network Configuration. However, users who only had NZ access could not see current campus configurations nor confirm that the changes distributed correctly.

The Consortia Central Configuration Dashboard is a new feature that Ex Libris is rolling out to production in the August 2024 release that allows users with NZ administrator roles to more easily distribute as well as view select campus configurations without needing a separate IZ login.

Typically, each function within Alma has an administrator level role. For example, there are acquisitions administrators, cataloging administrators, etc. If a user only has an acquisitions administrator role, they can view selected acquisitions configurations for other campuses but they cannot see any cataloging configurations without the cataloging administrator role.

This new feature does not add any ability to see library data, including patron data.

Expectations

NZ Users with administrator roles have the ability to make changes that impact both the NZ and campus IZs. To protect the integrity of all UC Alma instances, and to mitigate risk, anyone with an NZ administrator role must follow the expectations listed below.

Anyone granted access to the Network Zone Alma instance is already expected to use it solely for business purposes (see the NZ Account request process). In addition, all NZ users have signed the “Data Privacy & Security Responsibilities (NZ)” form.

With the release of the expanded Consortial Central Configuration Dashboard capability we reaffirm and provide additional guidance:

• Reminder that viewing configuration settings happens from the edit page, so users will be mindful not to make inadvertent changes while viewing.

• No changes should be made or distributed by any NZ users unless all campuses involved have approved the change or there has been an official SILS decision to do so.

• No changes should be made or distributed by any NZ users without first undergoing training in how to make edits and distribute changes and informing SILS Operations Center of their plans.

• If anything unexpected happens with editing or distributing, the user will notify SILS Operations Center as well as the appropriate SILS representative for any campuses involved.

Additional Documentation

Recording of the "Consortia Central Configuration dashboard for distributing shared configuration" webinar (YouTube link)

https://knowledge.exlibrisgroup.com/Alma/Product_Documentation/010Alma_Online_Help_(English)/100Collaborative_Networks/05_Fulfillment_in_Consortia/010Configuring_Fulfillment_Information_in_the_Network_Zone

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