GOBI Library Solutions: Your Portal for Academic Acquisitions
Quick Summary
- Streamline library acquisitions digitally
- Access print and e-books
- Centralized workflow management
GOBI Library Solutions, powered by EBSCO, is a premier digital platform designed for libraries worldwide, including academic, public, and healthcare institutions. This robust online account management system streamlines the complex process of acquiring both print and electronic books. It centralizes essential library functions like collection development, cataloging, and comprehensive workflow services, acting as an indispensable digital portal for library professionals. Serving thousands of academic customers globally, GOBI Library Solutions enhances operational efficiency and supports collection development goals. The platform provides a unified interface for selecting, ordering, and managing library materials from a vast network of publishers and aggregators. By integrating advanced tools and proprietary metadata, GOBI helps libraries optimize their resources and deliver timely access to scholarly content for researchers and patrons. Whether managing budgets or tracking acquisitions, the GOBI platform serves as a vital extension of your library's technical services team.
- 📋 Getting Started with Your GOBI Library Account
- 📍 Accessing Your GOBI Selection and Ordering Hub
- ⭐ Exploring the GOBI Platform's Acquisition Tools
- ⚠️ Resolving Access and Workflow Challenges in GOBI
- 🔒 Ensuring Secure Library Data and Transactions
- 🎧 Official Help Desk Contacts
- ❓ Key Questions About GOBI Library Services
Getting Started with Your GOBI Library Account
- An active GOBI Library Solutions account with a unique username and password, typically set up by your library's administrator.
- An institutional email address associated with your library or organization.
- For Mac users, the Mozilla Firefox browser is recommended for optimal performance, as Safari may encounter issues with certain request functions.
Accessing Your GOBI Selection and Ordering Hub
- Navigate to the official GOBI Library Solutions login page. This is your digital portal for managing library acquisitions.
- Enter your unique username into the designated field.
- Input your confidential password.
- Click the Sign in button to access your personalized user dashboard.
Exploring the GOBI Platform's Acquisition Tools
- Centralized Acquisition Platform: Acquire both print books and e-books from a vast selection of publishers and aggregators within a single, integrated online account management system.
- Streamlined Cataloging and Processing: Simplify the creation of catalog records and book processing workflows, saving valuable library staff time.
- Optimized Collection Development: Utilize best-in-class proprietary metadata to make informed collection development decisions, enhancing resource discovery for users.
- Flexible Acquisition Models: Choose from various purchasing options, including Demand-Driven Acquisition (DDA) and approval plans, to suit your library's specific needs.
- Robust Search Capabilities: Conduct efficient searches using Quick Search for general queries or Standard Search for more complex, multi-field searches. You can also add titles in batches using ISBNs.
- Selection and Ordering Tools: Manage your personal Select Cart and submit titles to the Library's Selections List for purchase. Use GobiExpress to bypass your personal cart and submit directly.
- Order Tracking and Invoicing: Monitor the real-time status of your orders, including shipping and anticipated delivery dates, and access paperless records of invoices.
- Advanced Reporting and Analytics: Generate customized reports on new titles, peer comparisons, and fund expenditures to support budgeting and strategic planning.
- Automated Holdings Management: Benefit from automated services that update your library's holdings list, ensuring accurate duplication control across all transactions.
- Rapid E-book Delivery: Access ordered e-books quickly, with some platforms offering delivery within minutes of purchase.
Resolving Access and Workflow Challenges in GOBI
⚠️ Account Access Issues (Forgotten Password or Username)
Cause: Users may forget their login credentials or experience issues accessing their digital portal.
Solution: If you've forgotten your password, look for a 'Forgot Password?' link on the login page for self-service recovery. For lost usernames or persistent access problems, contact your library's GOBI administrator or your dedicated GOBI Customer Service representative for assistance. We know being locked out is stressful, so reaching out to your administrator is the fastest fix.
⚠️ Unable to Perform Actions in GOBI (e.g., Requesting Titles)
Cause: Account permissions in GOBI are often role-based, meaning certain users (like liaisons) might have 'Select Only' status, restricting direct ordering capabilities.
Solution: Your library administrator controls user permissions. If you need to perform an action that is currently restricted, such as placing an order directly, you will need to communicate your request through the established workflow (e.g., submitting to the Library's Selections List) or contact your administrator to discuss your role's capabilities within the online account management system.
⚠️ Browser Compatibility Issues on Mac
Cause: Certain GOBI functions may not work correctly when using Safari on macOS.
Solution: For Mac users, it is recommended to use Mozilla Firefox as your web browser when accessing GOBI Library Solutions to ensure all functionalities, particularly request options, operate as intended.
Ensuring Secure Library Data and Transactions
- 🔒 Always use strong, unique passwords for your GOBI account to safeguard your digital portal and library data. Consider using a password manager.
- 🔒 Understand your specific account permissions: Library administrators can configure user profiles, assigning roles like 'Select Only' status for liaisons. This granular control minimizes unauthorized ordering or data modifications.
- 🔒 Log out of your GOBI session when not actively using the platform, especially on shared computers, to protect sensitive acquisition information.
- 🔒 Report any suspicious activity or unauthorized access attempts to your library administrator or GOBI support immediately, ensuring the integrity of your online account management.
🎧 Official Support & Help Center
For GOBI Library Solutions support, contact EBSCO Support through their official channels or reach out to your dedicated GOBI Customer Service representative.
Key Questions About GOBI Library Services
Q: How do I get an account for GOBI Library Solutions?
Individual GOBI accounts, including usernames and passwords, are typically set up by your library's administrator. You should contact your local library staff or designated GOBI contact to request an account.
Q: What is the difference between the 'Select Cart' and the 'Library's Selections List'?
The Select Cart is your personal, private list of titles you are considering, visible only to you. You can print, save, or email this list. The Library's Selections List is the official list of titles chosen for purchase, which library staff regularly review and acquire. This is how you communicate titles you wish for the library to purchase.
Q: Can I track the status of my library's orders in GOBI?
Yes, GOBI provides real-time tracking of orders. You can view when an item was shipped and its anticipated delivery date, offering transparency throughout the acquisition process. GOBI also stores invoices for easy access.
Q: How can I request a book that isn't listed in GOBI?
If a title is unlisted, you can add it via your Select Cart. Open your Select Cart, choose the 'Add Unlisted' option, fill in the required title information, and then submit it to the Library's Selections List for review and potential acquisition by library staff.
Q: What types of materials can I acquire using GOBI Library Solutions?
GOBI Library Solutions allows you to acquire a comprehensive range of materials, including both print books and e-books, from academic and other specialized publishers.
Wrap Up
GOBI Library Solutions from EBSCO stands as a vital digital portal for libraries aiming to optimize their acquisition and collection development processes. By offering a comprehensive suite of tools for searching, selecting, ordering, and managing both print and e-books, GOBI empowers librarians to efficiently build and maintain robust collections. Its focus on streamlined workflows, rich metadata, and integrated services ensures that library professionals can effectively support their institution's research and learning objectives, making it an indispensable partner in the evolving landscape of library resource management.