16 September 2020
Ex Libris has announced the selection and launch of the Ex Libris campusM™ mobile platform by the University of Hong Kong Libraries (HKUL). The first in Hong Kong to adopt the platform, HKUL has already rolled out its new mobile app and web portal which is built on the campusM platform.
Even prior to the impact of the coronavirus, the University of Hong Kong Libraries sought a solution that would enhance the user experience and provide students with quick and easy access to vital library services, from any device, on campus and off. In addition, HKUL needed a cost-effective tool for communicating timely information to students.
After evaluating several solutions, HKUL selected the campusM platform for the Mobile@HKUL native mobile app and web portal. Tightly integrated out-of-the-box with the Ex Libris Alma® library services platform and Ex Libris Primo® discovery and delivery solution, the Mobile@HKUL app enables students to search for library resources, view the status of their loans and requests, renew borrowed items, access course information and reading lists, and more.
Of particular importance during the challenging days of COVID-19, the app can update the university community with pandemic-related push notifications. HKUL plan to extend the capability of campusM through the application extension kit (AEK), which will enable HKUL to integrate the new app with hardware-dependent services like near field communication (NFC) and augmented reality (AR).
HKUL Associate Librarian Dr. K.M. Ku explained, “With campusM, we are now able to provide mobile library services without the constraints of space and time and to connect with our user community via a unified platform. The simple web-based administration suite makes campusM easy to manage, and as we develop additional functionality for the app, it will help us meet our community’s needs and continue improving the user experience.”
Osher Gilinsky, corporate vice president and general manager of Ex Libris Asia Pacific, said, “We are thrilled to welcome HKU to the growing number of institutions in the global campusM community. We are pleased that campusM can provide a real-time communication channel for HKU students and staff and offer a single point of access to a range of library services.”