Overview
When libraries consider modernizing the ILS at the heart of their operations, the technology itself is only part of the decision. Just as important is the path to implementation: one that supports local priorities, reduces uncertainty and gives teams the confidence to move forward.
For SCELC, that path is taking shape through SCELC FOLIO, a new opt-in ILS option for SCELC members, built around a consortial FOLIO tenant model, with SCELC support and implementation and hosting from EBSCO.
The rapidly growing SCELC FOLIO community is helping libraries modernize and collaborate while maintaining the flexibility to configure FOLIO around their own workflows and user needs.
Following the successful spring 2026 go-live of an initial cohort of four SCELC member libraries, a second group of nine member libraries began implementing SCELC FOLIO this month.
The nine additional member libraries joining Cohort 2 represent a variety of types and sizes. This expansion builds on the experience of Cohort 1 and allows participating libraries to learn from peers while adopting a flexible platform that supports their local policies, workflows and metadata. Cohort 2 includes two existing stand-alone EBSCO FOLIO libraries that will be migrating into the consortial group, bringing a wealth of technical expertise and FOLIO experience to the growing SCELC FOLIO community.
Building on Cohort 1 Success
SCELC and EBSCO partnered to launch the SCELC FOLIO opt-in ILS initiative in 2025 to help member libraries modernize their technology environments without having to navigate implementation alone.
Rather than managing a platform migration independently, cohort participants move through implementation together. Libraries work closely with the SCELC and EBSCO teams, learning from one another throughout the process. That shared experience is central to the model. It helps libraries make informed decisions, identify efficiencies and build confidence at each stage of the transition.
Instead of going through implementation alone, we learned from the experiences of other libraries, shared solutions and discussed best practices.
Instead of going through implementation alone, we learned from the experiences of other libraries, shared solutions and discussed best practices.
Jennifer Cassidy of Western University of Health Sciences, one of the Cohort 1 libraries, said the cohort model helped her library benefit from the experience of other institutions moving through implementation at the same time.
“Instead of going through implementation alone, we learned from the experiences of other libraries, shared solutions and discussed best practices,” Cassidy said. “My advice to any library considering a future SCELC FOLIO cohort is to take full advantage of the program’s collaborative nature. The relationships you build will continue to provide support beyond go-live.”
A Collaborative Path to FOLIO Implementation
Library services platform migrations can feel complex and resource-intensive. Libraries must maintain day-to-day operations while evaluating new workflows, preparing staff and planning for long-term change.
The SCELC FOLIO cohort model helps address those challenges by providing a structured implementation environment. Participating libraries benefit from shared timelines, peer learning and access to collective expertise from SCELC, EBSCO and the other institutions moving through the process. For small and medium-sized libraries, that continuity of expertise can be especially valuable, giving teams added support as they navigate technology change in uncertain times.
The result is a more supported implementation experience. Libraries are not simply replacing one system with another. They are joining two communities: the broader FOLIO community and the SCELC FOLIO membership community.
The addition of nine libraries shows growing confidence in a model that helps institutions modernize together, share the burden of change and build lasting capacity.
The addition of nine libraries shows growing confidence in a model that helps institutions modernize together, share the burden of change and build lasting capacity.
Shawn Calhoun, University Library Dean at the University of San Francisco, said the success of Cohort 1 helped give Gleeson Library confidence.
“The SCELC cohort model brings together many of the things we value most: partnership with peer institutions, proven implementation experience, strong technical and organizational support, and very competitive economics,” said Calhoun. “It gives us the advantages of a major technology transformation while allowing us to undertake that work as part of a trusted community rather than on our own.”
For Teri Gallaway, SCELC Executive Director, the expansion of SCELC FOLIO reflects the value of a shared implementation model that helps libraries modernize together.
“We talk a lot at SCELC about finding ways to punch above our weight, and I’m especially proud of this project because it does exactly that,” Gallaway said. “The addition of nine libraries shows growing confidence in a model that helps institutions modernize together, share the burden of change and build lasting capacity.”
Flexible FOLIO Architecture Supports Local Library Needs
Every library has unique workflows, priorities and communities to serve. Many institutions are looking for modern library technology that can support those differences rather than forcing them into a one-size-fits-all system.
The success of the first SCELC FOLIO cohort gave us real confidence that this was the right time and the right path for Gleeson Library.
The success of the first SCELC FOLIO cohort gave us real confidence that this was the right time and the right path for Gleeson Library.
The SCELC FOLIO consortial architecture gives libraries the flexibility to support local workflows and metadata while benefiting from a broader community of institutions contributing ideas, expertise and innovation. Through SCELC’s cohort model, libraries can take advantage of that flexibility while also gaining the structure and support of a consortium-led implementation.
Calhoun shared his institution’s reasons for signing on to the project:
“The success of the first SCELC FOLIO cohort gave us real confidence that this was the right time and the right path for Gleeson Library,” Calhoun said. “Being able to build on the experience and excellent outcomes of our SCELC colleagues, rather than starting from scratch, made joining Cohort 2 an especially compelling opportunity.”
A Scalable Solution for the Modern Library
The growing success of SCELC FOLIO reflects increasing interest in collaborative approaches to library technology modernization. With the first group live and the second group moving forward, SCELC and EBSCO are helping create a scalable model for even the smallest and most resource-challenged libraries that want to modernize their systems while benefiting from shared expertise and community support.
For Calhoun, joining is part of a longer-term effort to modernize Gleeson Library’s technology infrastructure. “For us, this is about more than replacing a library system,” Calhoun said. “It’s an opportunity to modernize our technology infrastructure and position Gleeson Library for the future. We’re looking forward to a platform that gives our team greater flexibility and efficiency while allowing us to benefit from the innovation, expertise and shared investment of the broader FOLIO and SCELC communities.”
For libraries considering their next library services platform, the example of SCELC FOLIO offers a new model of scalable collaboration that can reduce financial and technical barriers, making implementation more manageable, more informed and more successful.
Considering your next ILS?
Whether you’re ready to begin implementation or still mapping out your options, EBSCO can help your library plan with confidence.