In December, we hosted a live webinar, Unlocking the Future of Library Acquisitions: An Introductory Tour of Mosaic by GOBI Library Solutions. This session introduced attendees to Mosaic, the latest innovation in book acquisition for libraries. During the event, our Director of Sales for EBSCO Books, Steph Moriarty, showcased Mosaic’s current features, shared exciting glimpses into future developments, and emphasized that Mosaic is still evolving, thanks to feedback from our innovation partners and current users.
Mosaic is more than a platform; it’s a journey of continuous improvement. By joining this evolving community, librarians can contribute insights that inform Mosaic’s roadmap and be among the first to explore new features as they are developed.
The webinar sparked thoughtful questions about Mosaic’s capabilities, and future plans. Below, we’ve summarized and answered these questions to give you a deeper understanding of how Mosaic can enhance your library’s workflows.
What is the cost for Mosaic?
Mosaic is available to users at no additional cost.
Will Mosaic allow the creation of item lists?
Yes, the ability to create lists or folders is on our development roadmap.
Are folders in Mosaic similar to lists in ECM?
Yes, folders in Mosaic will function as the equivalent of lists in ECM.
Will Mosaic eventually replace GOBI?
Yes, Mosaic is set to replace both ECM and GOBI. This transition will occur once Mosaic fully supports core functions such as approval plans and selection workflows.
Will there be a notes feature in Mosaic?
Yes, notes can currently be added to individual titles or in bulk within the shopping cart.
Can MARC records be downloaded in batches?
Yes, MARC records can be batch-downloaded for multiple titles ordered simultaneously. While creating custom MARC files by inputting book lists is not yet available, this feature is on the roadmap.
How will Mosaic integrate with FOLIO?
Mosaic will integrate with FOLIO, with development work slated to begin in February 2025.
Will users be able to edit notes in Mosaic?
Yes, the ability to edit notes is a planned enhancement based on user feedback.
What does the "At Your Institution" feature display?
This feature indicates items purchased via Mosaic and includes uploaded ILS holdings. Future enhancements will integrate EBSCO eBook holdings and GOBI purchase history.
Can users provide feedback about essential GOBI features for Mosaic?
Absolutely. We welcome feedback on key features you'd like to see integrated into Mosaic.
Will Mosaic support physical items?
Currently, Mosaic focuses on e-books. However, we plan to introduce print capabilities, starting with a "Link to Print" feature in February 2025, allowing users to discover print items in Mosaic and complete purchases via GOBI. Full print workflow within Mosaic will be available in 2026.
Will batch ISBN searches be supported in Mosaic?
Yes, this capability is on the development roadmap.
Will YBP-OCLC-Plus records still be an option?
Yes, once integrations with Alma and FOLIO are complete, OCLC integration will follow.
Will there be an API for SirsiDynix?
Yes, ILS integration for orders and invoices with SirsiDynix is planned, with Alma integration completing in April 2025.
Can data and lists in Mosaic be exported?
Yes, data export functionality, such as downloading lists into Excel, is on the roadmap.
Can existing GOBI accounts be migrated to Mosaic?
Yes, accounts can be migrated to Mosaic. During this process, subaccounts will be streamlined into Mosaic order profiles for simplified management.
Will Mosaic support triggered upgrades for turnaway purchases?
Yes, automatic upgrades are part of Mosaic's roadmap.
Will Mosaic display pricing in preferred currencies, such as Canadian dollars?
Yes, work to display preferred currency pricing will begin in 2025.
Does Mosaic display real-time pricing and availability?
Yes, Mosaic provides real-time pricing and availability. Titles not eligible for your institution will be marked accordingly during selection.
Will title summaries and tables of contents be available in Mosaic?
Yes, book descriptions and tables of contents are already available on title records.
Will users be able to preview eBooks in Mosaic?
Yes, eBook preview functionality is coming soon.
Can orders from multiple sub-accounts be combined on a single invoice?
Yes, Mosaic simplifies invoicing by consolidating orders from multiple profiles onto one invoice.
Will Mosaic include an advanced search function?
While Mosaic does not yet have advanced search, facets and filters for search results are currently in development.
How does Mosaic integrate with local holdings?
Currently, ILS holdings can be uploaded manually. Future updates will automate uploads for EBSCO eBook holdings and GOBI purchase history.
Will Mosaic support media items like DVDs and Blu-rays?
While Mosaic currently focuses on e-books and print, expanding to multimedia items is part of the long-term vision.
Will reviews from sources like Booklist be included in Mosaic?
Yes, adding book reviews is planned for a future update.
Will Mosaic support Alma and EDI invoicing?
Yes, Alma ordering and EDI invoicing will be available by April 2025.
Will Mosaic support selector workflows and a select cart?
Yes, selector workflows and enhanced cart functionality are on the roadmap.
Can users opt out of MARC records?
Yes, MARC records are optional.
Will eSlip notifications be part of Mosaic?
Yes, slip notifications will be incorporated into Mosaic.
Will self-serve reporting be available?
Yes, users will have access to self-serve reporting features, including open orders and expenditures reports.
Ongoing enhancements and updated features will continue to take place reflecting our commitment to evolving Mosaic into a comprehensive, user-centric platform that supports modern library needs. Thank you to all webinar attendees for your engagement and feedback it plays a vital role in shaping Mosaic's development. Missed the live session? Watch the replay.
