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Edward G. Miner Library

Alma Analytics: Advanced Search vs. Analytics

Training opportunities and additional resources found here

Advanced Search

Advanced search in Alma is a powerful tool; do not underestimate it!

  • For all record types, advanced search has more extensive lists of criteria than basic search
  • For some search types, you can mix criteria from related records (e.g., Title, Holdings, Item)
  • You can search for records with empty fields (e.g., Items with no barcode, Titles with no LC/Dewey number or standard numbers, Portfolios with no Access Rights listed, and much more)
  • You can Save the Query to re-run as needed
  • You can Export results to Excel for data manipulation and/or sharing

 

Some Advanced Search Possibilites:

  • Items by item policy (can filter by location etc.)
  • Most all MARC bib. fields are searchable
  • Search by call numbers (filtered by locations etc.)
  • ISBN, ISSN, OCLC#
  • Claims returned items 
  • Identify course reserves 
  • Items by location 
  • Items by process type 
  • Items by status and location 
  • Items with a temporary location 
  • License expiration reports 
  • Open orders not yet received 
  • Physical items on new book shelf 
  • Suppressed items (at bib. or hldg. level)
  • Suppressed personal copy records? 
  • Users with fines 
  • Users with no email 

Advanced Search Versus Analytics

Use Alma for it’s intended purpose – having lots of information in one system!

  • View a snapshot of current data – what’s the situation Right Now?
  • Go from a Title record to an Item record (to view circ stats or availability) to Ordering a new book
  • Go from an eResources subject search to a title list to the collection/service information to the license, with just a few clicks
Alma Alma Analytics

Single-focus questions (by record type)

Complex & comparative questions

Point-and-click criteria options

Robust query capabilities, including SQL

Visible information in records (to staff in Alma)

Under-the-hood data (i.e, item lifecycles, including deleted records)

Current information

Data updated once every 24 hours

Limited "saveability" – Sets or Menu Link

Save and share any analysis or report in multiple ways

Export results to Excel only

Export results to Excel, CSV, and more

No extra permissions or training needed

Needs Design Analytics user role and additional training for OBIEE interface

Exploring Advanced Search

Begin by choosing a Search Type and then Advanced Search, and skim the complete list of Criteria. Don't try any searches this first time - just read your way through the list and get familiar with what's there.

Search types with Advanced Search:

  • Titles – All, Physical, Electronic
  • Physical Items
  • Electronic Collections & Portfolios
  • Order Lines (POLs)
  • Licenses
  • Reading Lists
  • Authorities