Contents
- Library Checklist
- About the BiblioCore Implementation Project
- Implementation Plan
- BiblioCore Project Contacts
- BiblioCore Marketing Toolkit (coming soon)
- Training and Resources (coming soon)
- BiblioCore Public Launch and Option for Extended Preview
Library Checklist
This section lists tasks for libraries to complete and their deadlines. Information sent to Library Project Contacts.
About the BiblioCore Implementation Project
In Fall 2024, Cooperative Computer Services launched a comprehensive evaluation to identify a next-generation discovery layer platform for its member libraries. The project was driven by a clear need to modernize the public catalog experience, address known limitations of the current PowerPAC system, and position CCS libraries for the evolving expectations of today’s users. Key goals included improving search and discovery, ensuring mobile accessibility, providing a more seamless experience across physical and digital collections, and equipping library staff with flexible, intuitive administrative tools.
CCS adopted a multi-method evaluation approach to ensure a broad, balanced perspective. For full details on the evaluation and selection process, see the Library Online Catalog Evauation Project page. The process included:
- Usability testing with 20 patrons
- Post-test patron surveys
- CCS staff search activity analysis
- Vendor demonstrations for CCS staff, Database Management, Governing Board, and member library staff
- Post-demo library staff surveys across multiple departments
- Reference interviews with libraries and consortia using each platform
- Accessibility documentation review (VPATs)
- Cost analysis (3-year projections)
At the September 2025 Governing Board meeting, the majority of library directors voted to move forward with the BiblioCore discovery interface. Reasons for voting in favor of BiblioCore included a more efficient search algorithm, intuitive patron interface, and feedback from library staff. CCS began working with BiblioCommons, the BiblioCore vendor, in late October 2025 with a target launch date of May 2026.
Implementation Plan
Schedule-at-a-Glance
| Project stage | dates | status |
|---|---|---|
| Kickoff and Library Preparation | October 23, 2025 - December 19, 2025 | In progress |
| Installation and Configuration | December 22, 2025 - February 6, 2026 | |
| Validation | February 9, 2026 - March 13, 2026 | |
| Staff Preview and Training | March 16, 2026 - April 10, 2026 | |
| Public Preview | April 13, 2026 - May 18, 2026 | |
| Public Launch | May 19, 2026 (Tentative) | |
| *Extended Preview | May 2026- October 2026 |
Project Stages
Kickoff and Library Preparation
October 23, 2025 - December 19, 2025
CCS and the BiblioCore team begin working together and prepare for site setup.
- CCS meets BiblioCore implementations team
- Collect configuration information from libraries
- Take relevant configuration topics to Technical and Advisory groups
Installation and Preparation
December 22, 2025 - February 6, 2026
BiblioCommons builds library sites based on submitted configuration information.
- BiblioCore team builds CCS library sites
- BiblioCore team tests sites
Validation
February 9, 2026 - March 13, 2026
BiblioCommons returns sites to CCS for initial testing and training.
- Review site configurations, test site behavior
- BiblioCore team makes adjustments and fixes issues
- CCS staff receives training
- CCS staff prepares promotional toolkit for libraries
Staff Preview and Training
March 13, 2026 - April 10, 2026
Libraries begin preparing for BiblioCore launch.
- Library staff trained on BiblioCore
- Library staff begin preparing content, such as featured title lists
- Libraries can begin to prepare and test website search widgets
Public Preivew
April 13, 2026 - May 18, 2026
BiblioCore is soft-launched and patrons can preview the new discovery interface.
- PowerPAC is still the primary catalog, but will feature a link to BiblioCore
- Patrons can try out BiblioCore and submit feedback
- Libraries promote new catalog to patrons
- Library staff continue to create content for their BiblioCore site
- Libraries audit websites for links to catalog that will need to be updated for full launch
Public Launch
May 19 (Tentative)
BiblioCore becomes the library's primary discovery interface.
- For libraries that will launch in May, BiblioCore becomes the primary discovery interface
- Libraries will update catalog links from website, social media, etc. to BiblioCore
*Extended Preview
May 2026 - October 2026
For libraries where a May launch is not feasible, they can opt-in to an extended preview until ready for a full public launch. Click here for more info.
- PowerPAC remains the library's primary discovery interface
- BiblioCore available to patrons to try out
- Libraries will update catalog links from website, social media, etc. to BiblioCore
BiblioCore Project Contacts
To facilitate sharing information, tasks, and deadlines with libraries, libraries designated a staff member to serve as the point person for project communication. CCS will share BiblioCore related information directly with the library project contact. They are responsible for disseminating information to appropriate staff and collecting/submitting library information back to CCS.
Questions about or need to update a project contact? Email help@ccslib.org.
BiblioCore Marketing Toolkit
CCS will prepare and compile marketing resources for libraries to promote BiblioCore in patron-facing materials. More information to come!
Training and Resources
CCS will post information about BiblioCore training sessions and resources. More information to come!
BiblioCore Public Launch and Option for Extended Preview
CCS collected feedback from libraries in November 2025 on BiblioCore launch options. The survey asked the library’s preference between two launch plans:
- Plan A = All libraries complete the Public Launch in May
- Plan B = Extend the Public Preview stage and support libraries moving to Public Launch anytime between May and October
We received 27 responses from 26 libraries. 16 respondents selected Plan A and 11 selected Plan B. Of the 11 respondants who selected Plan B, 4 still chose May as their preferred launch date.
After reviewing the results and comments, CCS has decided on a launch approach that draws from both Plan A and Plan B.
Ahead of the full launch, the BiblioCore catalog will be in the Public Preview stage. One aspect of the BiblioCore implementation that facilitates a hybrid plan is that the production BiblioCore environment will be fully established by this stage. During Public Preview, PowerPAC is still the primary discovery interface, but patrons will have access to use and give feedback on the library's BibloCore site.
CCS will hold the major BiblioCore launch in May 2026, with a tentative go live date of May 19. For libraries who will launch in May, BiblioCore becomes their primary discovery interface.
For libraries where a May launch is not feasible, they will extend the Public Preview stage until their alternative launch date. Again, the PAC would remain their primary catalog and patrons would be able to test out their BiblioCore site. When ready, the library will update their catalog links to point to BiblioCore. Libraries would select an alternative launch date between June - October 2026. Due to concurrent projects, CCS staff will not be able to dedicate training resources for post-May launches, but library staff will have access to recorded and online training content.
CCS will follow-up with library project contacts after the New Year to roughly schedule public launch dates. The library public launch schedule will be posted here for reference.