Knowledge Base

Alma is hosted in a SaaS environment. Due to security concerns and technical limitations, SaaS environments do not support direct connections of local or network printers. Instead, printing in Alma works using email or a printout queue.

If you have an email-enabled printer with a unique email address, it was configured in your Alma IZ during the implementation process in Spring/Summer 2020. If you have questions or concerns about your setup, please open a ticket with OLS Systems.

All other slip printing is handled via a Printout Queue and the Alma Print Daemon application that runs on a workstation connected to a printer in your library.

Notices Eligible for Printing

The information on this page applies only to the following letters:

• Loan Receipt Letter
• Return Receipt Letter
• Hold Shelf Request Slip Letter
• Resource Request Slip Letter
• Fine/Fee Payment Receipt Letter
• Fulfillment Transit Slip Letter

Label printing is a different beast altogether!

Setting up the Printout Queue

1. Open a ticket with OLS Systems to request a printer and printout queue in your Alma IZ.
2. Generate an API key with the appropriate permissions:
   1. Log into the Ex Libris Developer Network with your campus credentials. (See also: https://ols-support.cuny.edu/systems/alma/api You must be logged into the Support Site to see all content on this page.)
   2. Click Build / My APIs (blue banner).
   3. In the "API Keys" section, click on Manage Keys.
   4. Click Add API Key.
      1. Enter a name, description, etc.
      2. Click Add Permission and select:
         • Area: Configuration
         • Env: Production
         • Permissions: Read-only
      3. Click Add Permission and select:
         • Area: Task Lists
         • Env: Production
         • Permissions: Read/write
      4. Click Save.
3. Repeat Step 2 for each printout queue, if necessary.

Setting up the Print Daemon

Once you have a printer and queue configured, you can set up the Print Daemon software.

1. Download the Alma Print Daemon: https://github.com/ExLibrisGroup/alma-print-daemon/releases
   • Windows: Download latest release
   • Mac: Download "Preview 0.6.3-beta" release
2. Install the Alma Print Daemon.
3. Configure the Alma Print Daemon as follows:
   1. Open the application.
   2. Access the settings via File > Configuration...
   3. Fill in the configuration as follows:
      1. Select your region (North America).
      2. Add the API Key. (See: Setting up the Printout Queue, above.)
         • The "Copy" button is disabled when the key is hidden.
         • Unhide the key (👁) to enable the "Copy" button in order to copy the value in the "API Key" field.
      3. Choose desired Printout Queue(s).
      4. Choose desired printer on your network.
      5. Select Automatic printing and desired interval (e.g., 1 minute).
4. Ensure that the Print Daemon is open on the workstation that has access to the desired printer. The application should be activated to automatically print.

Testing the Printout Queue and Print Daemon

Now comes the fun part! Try out the printout queue in conjunction with the Print Daemon.

1. In Alma, make sure your location is set to one with a printout queue (e.g., Main Service Desk).
   • If there are multiple printers at this location, choose the printer selected in the Print Daemon configuration.
2. Print a letter that will go to the printout queue.
   1. Place a request:
      1. Go to Fulfillment > "Checkout/Checkin": Manage Patron Services.
      2. Look up your account by entering your name, barcode, or EMPLID. Click Go.
      3. Find the white Submit Request button at the top of the patron information and click on it.
      4. Enter a title, barcode, or MMS ID of a physical item (e.g., A tree grows in Brooklyn) and select it from the drop-down menu.
      5. Click the left-most white button: Patron Physical.
      6. Select "Description" (if applicable) and a "Pickup Location." Click Submit in the upper right-hand corner.
      7. Note the success message: "The request was successfully submitted." Click Done in the upper right-hand corner.
   2. Print the slip:
      1. Go to Fulfillment > "Resource Requests": Pick From Shelf.
      2. Find the request you placed in the step above and click ... (actions) > Print Slip.
      3. Note the success message: "Slip was printed successfully."
   3. See that the letter is sent to the printout queue at Admin > "Printing": Printouts Queue.
   4. Within 1 minute (the time of the "interval" defined in the Print Daemon configuration), the letter is printed on the printer defined in the Print Daemon configuration.
   5. See in the Printouts Queue that the letter's status is now "Printed"!
   6. Cancel the bogus request you placed on the item:
      1. Go to Fulfillment > "Resource Requests": Pick From Shelf.
      2. Find the request you placed in the step above and click Cancel Request.
      3. If you wish, choose a "Cancellation reason" and enter a "Cancellation note."
      4. Un-tick the "Notify patron" option.
      5. Click Confirm.