by Kate Boyle, MLS

MLS Resource Sharing is in the midst of its transition.  As of April 15th, Resource Sharing no longer facilitates Interlibrary Loan borrowing and lending requests for the suburban members of MLS.  Any Interlibrary Loan requests currently in the RS office are still being pursued when possible. Photocopy requests will continue to be accepted using our online forms through May 15th.  The Resource Sharing office is attempting to complete all borrowing, lending, and photocopying activities by May 29th.  As we move forward, MLS Resource Sharing will continue to provide consulting support and continuing education on Interlibrary Loan, Reciprocal Borrowing, and the MLS Union List of Serials.

Recently, the Resource Sharing web pages were updated to include verification request forms for the use of the membership. (http://www.mls.lib.il.us/resource_sharing/ill/ill-verification.php)  These are designed to enable the membership to request verification assistance for items or journal articles they are having trouble either verifying or locating.  This service is free of charge.

In addition, a new form for requesting an International loan has been added.  http://www.mls.lib.il.us/resource_sharing/ill/int-ill-request.php  International borrowing will continue as a Resource Sharing service, however, it will now be performed on a cost recovery basis.  Members are asked to indicate the maximum their patrons are willing to pay for the requested International loan. 

In the immediate future, verification forms for photocopy assistance and request forms for international photocopies will be added to the MLS Resource Sharing web pages. International photocopies will also be run on a cost recovery basis. However, since the majority of photocopies are supplied electronically they should be available at a reasonable charge.

Remember, MLS Resource Sharing will continue to support both Reciprocal Borrowing and the Union List of Serials projects. Along with providing the suburban members with bookbands and the “Your Public Library” brochures.

An FAQ addressing a few anticipated questions and concerns has been prepared. Please see the MLS CE calendar to review our upcoming CE events. Don’t hesitate to contact Kate Boyle at boylek@mls.lib.il.us or by phone at 630-734-5160 if you should have any questions and concerns.

Published May 6, 2009 in vol. 3, iss. 9 [View]