In preparation for migration to a new Integrated Library System (ILS), in February 2025, WSU Libraries became a member of MOBIUS, a consortium of 65 academic libraries stretching from Iowa to Texas. The new ILS would manage all of WSU Libraries’ resources regardless of format.
WSU adopted the open-source FOLIO platform, and following months of planning and testing, went live with the new system Sept. 16. Later this fall, phase two of this implementation will launch OpenRS which will provide WSU researchers with access to over 30 million items and streamline delivery of materials across the consortia.
Brent Mai, dean of WSU Libraries, noted that adopting FOLIO will advance the university’s student-centered and innovation driven mission by not only improving management of extant resources but also by expanding resource accessibility for WSU students and faculty.
“Joining MOBIUS opens new doors for our students and faculty to access resources and collaborate with their colleagues at peer and aspirant institutions across the region,” Dean Mai said. “Coupled with our adoption of FOLIO, we are positioning the WSU Libraries to deliver innovative, sustainable library services that support the libraries’ unique role in fostering teaching and learning and advancing research and scholarship.”