IPSWICH, Mass. — August 6, 2025 — The Columbia University Libraries have officially gone live with FOLIO, replacing multiple legacy systems with a single, unified platform. Backed by the EBSCO FOLIO team at EBSCO Information Services (EBSCO), the transition to an open-source system aims to address evolving research needs and simplify library services through a single, interoperable solution.
FOLIO allows Columbia Libraries to manage resources more flexibly while integrating with essential tools, including the Libraries’ Blacklight-based CLIO unified discovery system, EBSCO Discovery Service™ (EDS) and GOBI® Library Solutions. Columbia will also utilize EBSCO’s Full Text Finder, Locate and MARC Update services to streamline access, fulfillment and metadata management. The implementation further improved efficiency by connecting FOLIO to Columbia’s multiple enterprise accounting systems and reducing duplicate data entry.
To complement these integrations, Columbia is adopting Panorama™, EBSCO’s library analytics platform, to gain real-time insights into resource usage and user engagement. These analytics will guide collection development, budget planning and user-centered service design. These technologies strengthen Columbia’s foundation for scalable, open infrastructure, supporting workflows across discovery, access and analytics.
Ann Thornton, Vice Provost and University Librarian, says FOLIO brings strategic value beyond the back end. “The FOLIO platform reflects Columbia Libraries’ values — interoperability, openness and responsiveness to research. Equally important was our confidence in EBSCO as a trusted implementation partner. Their support enabled a smooth migration and positions us to adapt to evolving scholarly needs.”
The FOLIO platform reflects Columbia Libraries’ values — interoperability, openness and responsiveness to research. Equally important was our confidence in EBSCO as a trusted implementation partner.
The FOLIO platform reflects Columbia Libraries’ values — interoperability, openness and responsiveness to research. Equally important was our confidence in EBSCO as a trusted implementation partner.
Heather Macfarlane, FOLIO Implementation Manager at EBSCO, highlights the scope and teamwork involved. “Unifying Columbia’s systems under FOLIO required detailed planning, customized setup and close cooperation. The outcome is a modern platform better aligned with the Libraries’ shared goals and infrastructure. Columbia’s team approached each stage with precision and vision, and their launch shows what’s possible when the institution leads and technology supports.”
About EBSCO Information Services
EBSCO Information Services (EBSCO) is a leading provider of online research content and cutting-edge search technologies serving libraries, healthcare and medical institutions, corporations, and government agencies worldwide. As an AI-enabled services leader, EBSCO offers comprehensive solutions from research, acquisition management, subscription services and discovery services to clinical decision support and patient care, learning, and research and development, EBSCO provides institutions with access to content and resources to serve the information and workflow needs of their users and organizations. Our commitment to AI-driven innovation positions EBSCO at the forefront of the industry, enabling us to meet the evolving needs of the information services landscape. For more information, visit the EBSCO website at: www.ebsco.com. Visit our blog at EBSCOpost or follow us on X, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.
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For more information, please contact:
Erica Gilson
Senior Communications Specialist
egilson@ebsco.com
978-414-0385