Library Resource Sharing | Improve Workflow, Reduce Acquisition Cost

Saas or On-Premise

SHAREit’s open platform has provided a tremendous advancement over the past 25 years with the development of cloud-based resource sharing back in 1994. SHAREit facilitates the inter-connectivity of disparate systems, providing consortia the ability to simultaneously interface with multiple ILS and ILL systems. SHAREit interoperates with all major resource sharing systems, including OCLC WorldCat resource sharing, ILLiad, Tipasa, and Relais.

SHAREit helps libraries significantly reduce the amount of staff time spent on managing, borrowing and lending activities, which greatly improves staff workflow and patron satisfaction, and reduces acquisition costs. SHAREit supports and manages staff-initiated ILL transactions plus mediated or unmediated patron-initiated ILL transactions. Libraries with different local ILS and ILL systems have the ability to share resources with one another, regardless of their collection size or automation system.

Number of libraries using SHAREit for resource sharing

Number of states and provinces using SHAREit for resource sharing

SHAREit Brochure

After the Indiana State Library system evaluated its existing inter-library loan (ILL) and resource sharing procedures, they determined it was time to knock down walls and open their information silos.They would connect Indiana libraries and merge collection resources for the benefit of all Indiana residents.

Indiana State Library

Seamlessly accommodates different ILS and ILL systems

This seamless integration creates a level playing field for all library members, allowing for easy implementation within any one of four environments, depending on the consortium’s needs:

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Physical Union Database

Auto-Graphics merges each consortium member’s online catalog into a single physical union catalog, presenting deduplicated records.

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Virtual Database System

Auto-Graphics enables federated searching, Z39.50 and HTTP-based searching of virtual databases and presents merged, deduplicated and sorted results.

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Offline

Auto-Graphics created this unique offline, self-contained resource sharing solution for correctional institutions, enabling prison inmates to request library books that are not in their local prison library.

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Hybrid Database System

Auto-Graphics pioneered the hybrid model, which allows consortium members to contribute their records to a union database, while still allowing other members to participate using the virtual or offline system – all within one environment.

Supports efficient request generation, fulfillment, and management, plus offers a number of unique features:

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Mediated and Unmediated Patron-Initiated ILL Requests

Supports staff-mediated requesting, as well as patron-initiated requesting, which offers patrons the flexibility to place and track requests either locally or from a remote location.

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Patron Authentication

SHAREit supports SIP, SIP2, NCIP, EZproxy, and SAML to enable remote system patron authentication to a local ILS, patron file, or the patron database.

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OpenURL

SHAREit accepts search terms passed in the national OpenURL standard, which can be embedded in a local discovery layer and create an automatic connection to searching in SHAREit.

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Dynamic Routing of Requests to an Unlimited Number of Lenders

SHAREit is designed to support an unlimited number of preferred trading partners and their respective lending policies, offering eight load-leveling request routing algorithms. Send requests to preferred lenders first, use a fully randomized list of lenders, or use a combination of options.

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Network Handling

Save staff time and shipping costs by specifying local libraries as network lenders. For items available in-network, patrons will be automatically redirected to the local catalog to place a hold.

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Request Fulfillment via OCLC

SHAREit can substantially lower ILL costs by allowing libraries to send requests to OCLC only as a last resort.

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Multi-Copy Requests

Staff can initiate multiple numbers of requests for the same title through one simple step, allowing libraries to support services such as book clubs and study groups with minimal staff involvement.

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