Auto-Graphics, Inc., a leading provider of tools, technologies and software developed to power libraries, today announced that the Massachusetts Virtual Catalog (MassVC) Governance Group has selected SHAREit™ to provide an NCIP-based interlibrary loan (ILL) platform for participating libraries throughout Massachusetts to replace SirsiDynix’s URSA system. The award was the result of a comprehensive RFP process that included multiple stakeholder groups and incorporated input from directors at each of the nine library networks throughout the State.

“Managing ILL transactions can be an expensive and time consuming process, so any technology that we can implement to reduce the cost and streamline workflow is helpful,” said Walter Stine, executive director of Fenway Libraries Online. “Our goal by implementing a true circulation-based ILL system is to cost effectively increase efficiencies and leverage existing technology investments at both the state and local library level.”

In upgrading to the SHAREit ILL platform, MassVC’s objective was threefold. First, to provide a more modern and feature-rich interface for end users with greater search functionality and more streamlined access to available resources. Secondly, to increase the available resources within the ILL environment by including libraries whose resources could no longer be integrated under the previous system, and by adding new member libraries and consortia to MassVC. Thirdly, to implement a circulation-based ILL system through the use of technology such as NCIP to streamline workflow for participating libraries, promote stronger integration between local and shared systems and ultimately reduce the time spent to manage individual ILL borrowing and lending transactions.

MassVC will implement SHAREit in a phased approach over the next two years. The first phase will consist of four of the nine large library networks within the state. The remaining five library networks and six standalone academic libraries will be implemented in year two of the project. Overall, the system will be one of the largest ILL implementations in North America serving over 410 public, school, academic and special libraries across Massachusetts. This large project will include the following library networks - CLAMS (Cape Libraries Automated Materials Sharing), C/W MARS (Central/Western Massachusetts Automated Resource Sharing), FLO (Fenway Libraries Online), MBLN (Metro Boston Library Network), MVLC (Merrimack Valley Library Consortium), MLN (Minuteman Library Network), NOBLE (North of Boston Library Exchange), OCLN (Old Colony Library Network), SAILS and MassCAT. In addition, the following academic libraries will also be participating - Bridgewater State University, UMass Amherst, UMass Dartmouth, UMass Boston, UMass Lowell and Westfield State University.

“MassVC is a very exciting project and an opportunity to leverage NCIP to implement a true circulation-based ILL system to increase workflow efficiencies for staff and greatly improve the patron experience,” said Albert Flores, vice president of sales and marketing at Auto-Graphics. “The team at Auto-Graphics looks forward to working very closely with the progressive libraries involved in this cutting edge project over the next several years.”

Fenway Libraries Online (FLO) is the fiscal agent for the MassVC Governance Group and will work together with Auto-Graphics to implement and support the system. FLO received a federal LSTA grant provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services and administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners to procure SHAREit. The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 122,000 libraries and 17,500 museums. The Institute's mission is to create strong libraries and museums that connect people to information and ideas.

About Auto-Graphics, Inc.

Founded in 1950, Auto-Graphics has been a technology innovator for more than six decades providing data management solutions to customers across multiple industries. For over 50 years, Auto-Graphics has helped libraries of all sizes become more efficient and patron-centric. Auto-Graphics’ Library Management Platform™ – currently used by more than 5,500 libraries in North America – is comprised of VERSO® an integrated library system; SHAREit™ an interlibrary loan and consortial borrowing solution; and SEARCHit™ a federated search module. All products are fully compliant with ISO and NISO standards, and are available for On-Premise installation or over the Cloud, via the Software as a Service (SaaS) hosted delivery model. For more information, please visit www.auto-graphics.com.

© Auto-Graphics, Inc. All rights reserved. VERSO, SHAREit and SEARCHit are trademarks of Auto-Graphics, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.