Project Overview

The American University in Dubai (AUD) Library sought to modernize its library technology infrastructure by migrating from a legacy environment to a modern cloud-based platform powered by the Koha Integrated Library System (ILS). The project aimed to improve system performance, enhance user experience, increase operational efficiency, and provide a scalable foundation for future library services.

Challenges

Before the project, the library faced several challenges:

• Dependence on an aging server infrastructure.
• Limited scalability and flexibility.
• Need for enhanced system reliability and availability.
• Requirement to modernize the Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC).
• Desire to improve accessibility for students, faculty, and researchers.
• Need to ensure seamless migration of existing bibliographic and patron data.

EduQuest Solution

EduQuest delivered a comprehensive migration and modernization project that included:

Cloud Migration

Migration of the Koha Integrated Library System from an on-premises environment to a secure cloud-hosted infrastructure, providing:

• Improved performance
• Enhanced availability
• Increased security
• Simplified maintenance and management
• Better scalability for future growth

Bibliographic Data Migration

Successfully migrated more than 50,000 bibliographic records while preserving:

• MARC21 metadata
• Holdings information
• Item records
• Patron data
• Circulation history and configurations

OPAC Redesign

Completely redesigned the Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC) to provide:

• Modern user interface
• Mobile-responsive design
• Improved search experience
• Enhanced navigation
• Better accessibility
• Alignment with the university's visual identity

System Optimization

Additional enhancements included:

• Performance optimization
• Security hardening
• Backup and recovery configuration
• System monitoring improvements
• User experience enhancements

Results

The project delivered significant benefits to the university library:

Operational Benefits

✓ Improved system performance and reliability

✓ Reduced infrastructure management requirements

✓ Increased system availability

✓ Simplified maintenance and updates

User Benefits

✓ Faster catalog searches

✓ Improved access from mobile devices

✓ Enhanced user experience

✓ Better resource discoverability

Strategic Benefits

✓ Modern cloud-based architecture

✓ Future-ready technology platform

✓ Improved scalability

✓ Enhanced support for digital transformation initiatives

Project Highlights

• 50,000+ bibliographic records migrated
• Cloud infrastructure deployment
• Complete OPAC redesign
• Minimal service disruption during migration
• Improved system performance and reliability
• Enhanced user experience for the university community