In 2011, new pilot projects from Armenia, Nepal, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Zimbabwe were selected to demonstrate implementation of a service that addressed their local needs. They then evaluated and documented their experiences. 

The pilots addressed a range of challenges facing libraries; from tools to support users by enhancing access to library resources, such as guided searching software or disability aids, to software to enable the library to operate digitally such as Integrated Library Systems (ILS) software or digital repository tools.

Case study

A case study of CUFTS implementation written by Andrew Sokolov (Scientific Library of St. Petersburg State University, Russia). Please click Download below the text.

An executive overview of this case study is also available here. 

What is CUFTS/GODOT?

CUFTS/GODOT is an open source serials management system that has been widely adopted by academic institutions to help them manage collections effectively and to facilitate access to e-journals.

It offers a free and regularly updated knowledge base containing information about 575 full-text collections, plus an integrated A-Z journal database. It also offers electronic resource management tools, direct to article OpenURL link resolving, and free MARC records for each title.

CUFTS is part of the reSearcher suite of tools which also includes GODOT and dbWiz. It will operate on Linux, Solaris and BSD.

What are the key benefits?

• • No service or software fees.
  • Comprehensive and well maintained knowledgebase and A-Z title lists enable libraries to provide a searchable and up to date serials database on their website.
  • Easy to customise:
    • Librarians can select collections from the knowledge base that they have access to.
    • Additional resources can be included.
    • Resources can be classified by subject.
  • Increases discoverability:
    • Users can search and browse journals by title, ISSN, subject, or publisher/association with ease.
    • Provides direct-to-article OpenURL link resolving.
    • MARC records for each title are available free of charge and can be added to the library catalogue.
    • Includes open access journals from DOAJ as well subscription titles.
  • Makes it easier for libraries to manage electronic resource collections:
    • Electronic Resource Management (ERM) tools enable libraries to centralize details about electronic collections, including licensing terms, renewal dates, contacts, and more.
    • Libraries can compare titles within up to four resources to find out how many journals are included in more than one service. This information can be very helpful when negotiating with aggregators.
    • CUFTS also features a renewal notification system and an A-Z list of a library’s electronic resources.