NEW STATEWIDE INTERLIBRARY LOAN SYSTEM TO PROVIDE BETTER SHARING OF LIBRARY MATERIALS

AUSTIN, Texas – The Texas State Library and Archives Commission, assisted by its Interlibrary Loan Task Force, has selected a new statewide interlibrary loan system, improving service to library customers in more than 500 Texas public libraries. 

TSLAC has selected the WorldCat/Navigator platform from the Online Computer Library Center (OCLC) to be the basis for interlibrary loan in Texas public libraries. Interlibrary loan provides a tool for libraries throughout Texas to share items such as books, CDs, DVDs, and journals in order to better serve the needs of their communities. Library users, regardless of where they live in the state, can locate needed materials then ask their local librarians to get the items through interlibrary loan (ILL).

“The WorldCat/Navigator platform offers a customized, comprehensive solution that will be easy to implement in all sizes of libraries, plus it will be a great benefit to all Texas library users because it allows them to see materials available throughout the state and not just at their local libraries,” said Peggy D. Rudd, TSLAC director and state librarian. “We look forward to working with OCLC and the library community to improve library services to Texans.” 

OCLC’s WorldCat database provides library users with the ability to locate and request items in libraries worldwide.  The Navigator platform allows library staff to easily process and monitor their customers’ requests. 

The Texas State Library and Archives Commission will cover the annual cost to operate the interlibrary loan system, which is provided free to Texas public libraries and their communities. A pilot program for the new service will begin in January. TSLAC is accepting nominations for participating libraries. TSLAC will begin phasing in the service statewide starting September 2011.

The task force, comprised of members of the Texas library community, was instrumental in selecting the WorldCat/Navigator solution, which was chosen through a rigorous competitive purchasing process. 

The task force evaluated the recommendations from an interlibrary loan study conducted by the Bibliographical Center for Research and was charged to recommend a new interlibrary loan program for the state of Texas. Requirements of the new service were that it be patron-centered, maximize the use of technology, enhance visibility of library holdings, encourage resource sharing and promote efficient delivery.

For more information about the ILL program go to www.tsl.state.tx.us/ill or contact Mike Avila, LRS Public Information Specialist at mike.avila@tsl.state.tx.us or Sue Bennett, TexNet Coordinator at sbennett@tsl.state.tx.us.

ABOUT THE TEXAS STATE LIBRARY AND ARCHIVES COMMISSION

TSLAC helps Texans find the information they seek. The people of Texas utilize TSLAC services and programs to effectively use information and materials that improve their lives, the lives of their families, and their communities. Since 1909, TSLAC has carried out a commitment of making information work for all Texans by providing history and genealogical services, federal and state government documents, electronic research, and library services to Texans of all ages who are unable to read standard print material due to visual, physical, or reading disabilities. For more information, go to www.tsl.state.tx.us.

ABOUT LIBRARY RESOURCE SHARING DIVISION 

LRS is a division of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission that oversees programs and services that provide information and library materials through networks of Texas libraries and across the Internet with the following programs and service: TexShare; the TexNet Interlibrary Loan system; the Texas State Publications Depository Program (formerly the Publication Clearinghouse); Texas Records and Information Locator (TRAIL); the Library of Texas, and the Texas Heritage Digitization Initiative. 

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