RE:  CHARGE - Enhanced Resource Sharing Task Force

Date:  October 2001

 

 

Background:  At the July 18^th CUWL meeting, a motion to begin exploring alternative software solutions to meet the objectives of UWS resource sharing passed unanimously.  The discussion surrounding the motion was rather broad and included issues such as the next generation resource sharing system and desktop delivery of journal articles.  Furthermore, the report from the UW Library Planning Committee has identified a strategic action that UW System and UW Libraries should “[e]xplore commercial software options to enhance resource sharing services across UW libraries including implementation of rapid desktop journal article delivery capabilities at all UW libraries” and has recommended to support this initiative with UWS Library Automation funds. 

 

Starting this fall, a few UW libraries are piloting some of these rapid document delivery concepts using Madison’s Library Express Service.  Through this pilot, we will certainly gain valuable experience in providing desktop delivery.  The CUWL Executive Committee and UWS OLIT would also like to form a Task Force to initiate a broader investigation of software options (“Library Express”-type software and commercially available software).  Below I have outlined a potential charge and composition for the Task Force.

 

Draft Charge to Enhanced Resource Sharing Task Force:

CUWL and the UW Library Planning Committee have proposed the exploration of software solutions to enhance resource sharing among UW Libraries.  The Task Force is charged with developing the goals and objectives for enhanced resource sharing and recommending potential strategies and priorities to CUWL and UW System.   Upon affirming the goals, objectives, and priorities, the Task Force is then asked to explore potential software solutions to enhance resource sharing services across UW libraries.  This exploration should include a review of resource sharing software management systems that will effectively accommodate unmediated, user-initiated requests for non-returnables (photocopies and electronic format) and returnables (circulating items).

 

As the Task Force conducts its exploration and review, parameters to consider may include whether potential software systems:

·  Are based on standards (Z39.50, ISO ILL 10160/10161, NCIP);

·  Interface with other systems such as Voyager, Universal Borrowing, OCLC, Docline, Ariel, Wiscat;

·  Enable the delivery of journal articles directly to user desktop;

·  Include mechanisms for validating users;

·  Provide comprehensive transaction tracking, management, and reporting capabilities;

·  Offer options for both inter- and intra-campus requesting and delivery;

·  Can handle a large number of transactions;

·  Require hardware infrastructure (scanners, servers, etc.).

 

An interim report from the Task Force outlining the goals, objectives, priorities, and next steps is requested at the winter CUWL meeting.

 

Task Force Composition:

Madison                                               Milwaukee

Colleges                                               Comprehensives                      

UWSA OLIT                                       UWSA Procurement

WiLS

 

In terms of composition, it will be important to have a balance of committee representatives that can offer guidance in overall resource sharing strategies, ILL/access services and management, and technical functionality.  It is likely that this Task Force will be involved in some procurement process (request for information and/or request for proposal).  Furthermore, it may be helpful to include representation from the Resource Sharing Task Force and/or the UB Implementation Committee to ensure continuity in this evolving conversation.*  

 

Please send your suggested nominations to Paul Moriarty by October 10^th.   The CUWL Executive Committee and Ed Meachen, OLIT, will appoint the Task Force by the end of October. 

 

Note that the Enhanced Resource Sharing Task Force will not replace the CUWL Resource Sharing Task Force.  The Resource Sharing Task Force was charged with examining policies related to resource sharing and has an important task still outstanding; namely, it is to conduct a review of the policies one year after Universal Borrowing implementation.  In fact, it may be likely that as the Enhanced Resource Sharing Task Force progresses through its charge, there may be some policy issues that could be referred to the Resource Sharing Task Force for consideration.

 

*  FYI: 

CUWL Resource Sharing Task Force:

Ewa Barczyk – UW Milwaukee

Jean Gilbertson - UW Madison

Joe Jax – UW Stout

Paul Moriarty – UW Platteville

Bob Rose – UW Eau Claire

Kathy Schneider – WILS

 

Resource Sharing/UB Implementation committee:

Lorie Docken (OLIT)

Bill Doering (La Crosse)

Cleo Powers (Eau Claire),

Kathy Schneider (WiLS)

Diana Slater (Stout),

Michelle Strange (La Crosse)

Tanner Wray (Madison)