On TRAC to Success: Creating a Multi-Institution, Statewide Fulfillment Network
Product or Program Track
Primo/MetaLib
Session Description
Background
In 2015, ten Iowa and Nebraska academic library systems prepared to migrate to Alma and Primo. Simultaneous adoption of a common ILS was unprecedented in Iowa, and we knew this was an opportunity to forge stronger connections between our libraries, collections, and institutions. Representatives from each library began meeting to discuss shared goals and objectives, and they formed TRAC: the Two Rivers Alma Collaborative.
Four TRAC libraries already belonged to a small regional consortium, but the rest did not. Our parallel migration timelines provided a chance to leverage our common--if not shared--library platform. Discussions ranged from sharing a Primo environment to (briefly) considering a Network Zone. Ultimately, TRAC settled on shared Primo discovery and a fulfillment network that allows direct requesting and inter-institutional walk-in borrowing.
The Presentation
This presentation will cover the decisions, problems, and opportunities TRAC encountered on the road to establishing a non-consortial fulfillment network in Iowa and Nebraska. While time will not allow a detailed explanation of every decision and hurdle, presenters will discuss:
● pre-planning decisions and why we made the choices we did;
● planning issues, including how to reach consensus on loan policies and patron data;
● the implementation process and its related workflow and training challenges.
We will also discuss next steps, such as bringing additional campus libraries on board and exploring a more consortial Primo environment. Finally, presenters will offer tips and suggestions for libraries considering a resource sharing or fulfillment network.
Attendee Outcomes
The audience for this presentation is current or future Alma and Primo libraries. After viewing this presentation, attendees will be more familiar with the resource sharing options Alma and Primo provide, and have an idea of the major decisions and obstacles involved with planning, creating, and implementing a fulfillment network.
(Presenter order in program: Vandenbark, Thompson, Mick, Davis, Welch)
Target Audience Skill Level
General