What you'll learn:
- How libraries can onboard a new acquisition platform and begin placing e-book orders quickly, without formal training or complex setup.
- How reducing steps in the ordering process can support faster responses to patron requests.
- How a familiar, intuitive interface allows staff to adopt new tools without disrupting existing workflows.
Welcome to the first post in our new blog series, where we examine key stages of the book acquisition process and share how libraries are using Mosaic by GOBI Library Solutions in their day-to-day workflows. This post focuses on onboarding and how libraries can begin ordering e-books quickly and with minimal training or setup.
Redefining What “Getting Started” Means
When evaluating new acquisition platforms, libraries often anticipate a learning curve. Training, configuration, and workflow adjustments are commonly expected, and even routine tasks like placing an order may seem likely to require additional steps.
Mosaic was designed to change that expectation. Libraries can begin using the platform quickly, place orders with confidence, and integrate it into their existing workflows without disruption.
From Webinar to Ordering in a Single Day
Dana Belcher, Customer Success Manager at East Central University (ECU), experienced this firsthand. After attending a Mosaic Innovation Spotlight and Open Forum webinar, Dana signed up for Mosaic and had an account by the end of the same day.
“I was signed up, had an account, and was able to start ordering right away,” she said.
Once her account was active, she began ordering immediately. The interface was familiar, intuitive, and easy to navigate.
“I don’t think I needed training,” Dana explained. “Any library ordering through GOBI could easily place orders in Mosaic.”
This ability to quickly search, select, and order e-books without added steps made it possible for her to begin using Mosaic right away, without extensive setup or training.
"In Mosaic, within hours I have everything I need. My librarians like Mosaic too because if somebody needs something right away, we can have it for them quickly."
"In Mosaic, within hours I have everything I need. My librarians like Mosaic too because if somebody needs something right away, we can have it for them quickly."
Fewer Steps. Faster Results.
ECU’s firm order e-book activity is limited by design. Mosaic supports libraries with a wide range of purchasing needs and workflows, from targeted firm ordering to more complex acquisition programs. At ECU, it is used for staff-selected firm orders, meaning titles the library intentionally selects and purchases outright, while the library’s Demand Driven Acquisition (DDA) program is managed in GOBI.
As a DDA customer, the library uses both models to meet different needs. DDA supports patron-driven discovery, while firm ordering in Mosaic allows staff to proactively select and purchase specific titles. Together, these approaches support a balanced and flexible acquisition strategy.
Within this focused role, Mosaic allows Dana to manage firm orders efficiently while continuing to work within the library’s established workflows. Rather than requiring changes to existing systems or processes, Mosaic provides a direct path from title selection to order placement.
“The ease,” Dana said, describing what stood out most. “It’s easy to use, and I don’t have to put it in one cart and then approve that cart just to get it ordered.”
By removing unnecessary steps, Mosaic makes it possible for her to complete orders with less manual effort.
“In Mosaic, within hours I have everything I need,” Dana noted. “My librarians like Mosaic too because if somebody needs something right away, we can have it for them quickly.”
This more direct process allows ECU to respond promptly to patron needs while working alongside their GOBI DDA strategy.
Mosaic Fits Naturally into Existing Workflows
One of the biggest concerns with any new system is how well it fits into established workflows. For Dana, Mosaic worked seamlessly alongside ECU’s existing acquisitions processes, particularly for perpetual e-book purchasing.
“It was super easy,” she said. “Everything worked right out of the box.”
Because Mosaic was intuitive and required little to no adjustment, she was able to incorporate it into her daily work with minimal disruption.
A Platform Built for Real-World Library Needs
Dana described Mosaic as “your one stop shop for everything e-books,” referring to how the platform brings search, selection, and ordering into a single interface.
In her experience, having those steps consolidated in one place made it easier to move from discovery to order without adding extra workflow steps.
Simplicity That Makes a Difference
For Dana, the benefit of Mosaic ultimately comes down to ease of use.
“I love it,” she said. “It’s not only pretty to look at, but it’s easy to use.”
That simplicity allowed ECU to adopt Mosaic quickly, begin ordering immediately, and support their collection needs without delay.
That simplicity is exactly what Mosaic was built to deliver.
