Using GOBI Library Solutions with Alma

GOBI Library Solutions, a division of EBSCO, is a provider of physical and electronic books along with workflow services for libraries. This page highlights some of the services and practices that CARLI libraries may opt to use with Alma. Some services listed will be applicable to any CARLI member, regardless of their library services platform. 

This page includes overviews and links to resources shared from GOBI or from member libraries. CARLI staff may advise on some of these uses as they pertain to Alma. However, CARLI staff cannot provide support for the GOBI ordering service. Library staff should contact GOBI for assistance with configuration of GOBI services.

Library System Integrations

Gobi API for Alma

The GobiAPI service enables the GOBI ordering platform to send data to Alma in real time using an external system integration and Alma's APIs. When placing an order, GOBI will transmit data via API (1) to locate or create a bibliographic record and then (2) to create a PO line on the bibliographic record. The configuration in the Alma integration profile determines whether the institution zone (IZ) or network zone (NZ) is checked for a matching record; if no match is found, the API creates a brief bibliographic record for the order. The PO line is created using fund and requestor data that are configured in both Alma and GOBI. Libraries will need to provide GOBI with a profile of locations, funds, requestors, and possible other data that should be included in the order information; data transmitted via the API are typically the code for an attribute, rather than the full name (e.g., fund code of "genbks" rather than "General Books"; location code of "stx" rather than "Main Stacks").

The University of San Diego library prepared a 6-minute demonstration video.

Electronic Invoicing

Libraries that already use the GOBI API or use GOBI MARC records to create Alma PO lines may receive eInvoice data via electronic data interchange (EDI) or EDIFACT. The eInvoice matches to the POL identifier or to the GOBI order key to create an invoice along with invoice line items associated with PO lines. This service is free to GOBI customers.

Setup in Alma includes updating the vendor record for GOBI with account information and credentials to connect to GOBI's file server. EDI files may be scheduled for regular retrieval, and some review of the invoices created may be necessary to complete their processing.

Automatic Holdings Load to GOBI

Alma libraries may use a general publishing profile to push details on their inventory into the GOBI ordering platform. These data will be matched to the records in GOBI, and the record will display an alert that the library already owns a title. 

Setup in Alma requires creation of a set or sets of inventory, for instance, a set of physical titles and a set of electronic titles. The general publishing profile packages the metadata from these sets and transfers the data to GOBI via FTP. Some setup is required with GOBI as well; library staff must contact GOBI support to activate the service. This service is free for GOBI customers.

GOBI MARC Record Services

GOBI may provide libraries with MARC records for their purchased titles.

Libraries may choose to have order data transmitted to OCLC and receive records via a Cataloging Partner collection in WorldShare Collection Manager. The record is selected based on the order data provided and depends on matching that data to a record in WorldCat. GOBI does not customize the records, though libraries may apply customization through Collection Manager settings. If no record is present in WorldCat, then nothing is sent to the library.

Libraries may also choose from either the OCLC Plus or GOBI Metadata Services options, which provide libraries with records customized to their specifications. The OCLC Plus service includes placement of an OCLC record number in the delivered record, and GOBI staff set the library's holding symbol on that record in WorldCat.

Processing Services

GOBI provides shelf-ready book processing services for physical materials ordered. Processing options may include the addition of barcodes and spine labels, security tags, book plates and other supplies, as well as book jacket and binding treatments. A processing charge is applied for each volume shipped. 

GOBI also provides a "labels without records" service for libraries that want spine labels applied on books but do not want to receive cataloging records. This service may include a setup fee.