KU Libraries select FOLIO as new library services platform (LSP)

LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas Libraries signed an agreement to implement FOLIO, hosted and supported by EBSCO Information Services, as its new library services platform (LSP). With this transition, KU Libraries are embracing a flexible, open-source solution that supports academic research, discovery and innovation across the university’s programs and services.

The decision to adopt FOLIO as its LSP — the core system used to manage library operations such as acquisitions, cataloging, circulation and electronic resource management — reflects the libraries’ commitment to modernizing their infrastructure with a platform that aligns with open standards and academic values. As one of the nation’s leading public research institutions, KU is advancing a vision of openness, scalability and long-term sustainability.

FOLIO (short for the Future of Libraries is Open) will be implemented across all three of KU’s major library divisions: the Lawrence campus libraries, KU’s Wheat Law Library and the A.R. Dykes Library at University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City. FOLIO’s multi-tenant architecture will enable the libraries to maintain local workflows and leadership structures while benefiting from a shared platform that simplifies operations across the system.

With support from EBSCO’s FOLIO implementation team, training and database migration will begin in September and conclude with a go-live date of July 1, 2026. 

“The migration to FOLIO will enable the libraries to move to a modern, flexible and scalable platform that will offer improved workflows and efficiencies for staff and ultimately an enhanced experience for end users,” said Mary Roach, KU Libraries executive associate dean. “This effort aligns with the libraries’ priority to upgrade and maximize its core technology platforms and to implement workflows and processes to manage and streamline significant library initiatives.”

Since 1998, KU Libraries have used the client-based Voyager system, which will no longer be supported by its vendor, Ex Libris. For KU Libraries, the upgrade represents the next iteration in a continuing evolution of library technology. Prior to Voyager, KU developed its own online public access catalog, among a long lineage of iterative library technologies.

KU Libraries Dean Carol Smith said the move is an investment in long-term flexibility and alignment with the institution’s mission.

“Implementing FOLIO allows us to move away from traditional, siloed systems and toward a more open, interoperable infrastructure that better supports research, teaching and learning," Smith said. “We’re excited to partner with EBSCO and the FOLIO community to shape a future-ready library platform. I’m grateful to all involved with empowering a vital transformation of fundamental library functions.”

Peter Zeimet, EBSCO director of SaaS Innovation, said that the University of Kansas contributes to the growing number of academic libraries charting a path toward open infrastructure. 

“The University of Kansas brings both vision and leadership to the FOLIO community," Zeimet said. “Their decision to implement FOLIO demonstrates how academic institutions can take control of their technology stack and design systems around evolving user needs — not vendor limitations.”

KU joins a group of ARL institutions partnering with EBSCO to implement FOLIO. The growing coalition shares a mission to improve interoperability, encourage innovation and support academic excellence in research library systems.

KU’s procurement negotiating team included Mary Roach (Libraries), Scott Hanrath (Libraries), Erich Kessler (KU Medical Center Library), and Kent Miller (Libraries), Esmerelda Phillips (Procurement), Ephrom Marks (Procurement), Cleotha Daniels (General Counsel), and Rob Randall (Information Technology). Support for the development of system requirements and analysis of the system functionality was provided by KU Libraries’ LSP Assessment Team – Miloche Kottman, Angela Rathmel, Micki Lubbers, Christen Caton, Kristin Sederstrom (KU Med), and Melissa Doebele (Law) – and numerous library faculty and staff who attended vendor demonstrations and provided valuable feedback.