Resource Sharing: Automatic Deflection Now Available

Available in June 2006, WorldCat Resource Sharing automatically deflects resource sharing requests based on policies defined in the Policies Directory.

Users of the Policies Directory may set deflection criteria for borrowing requests so the requests will bypass the Request Manager. Deflection is based on the request service type, group membership, and format type requested.

 With deflection enabled, the Request Manager "skips" lenders based on deflection policies and automatically moves requests to the next lender, reducing the amount of time an unfilled request remains in the "Pending" status. This reduces processing time because library staff members do not see requests they cannot fill, resulting in speedier delivery of library materials to users.

 Several FAQs on deflection are available at the Policies Directory Frequently Asked Questions page. In addition, detailed instructions on how to create deflection policies are available at the OCLC Resource Sharing Enhancements page (http://www.oclc.org/resourcesharing/support/enhancements/default.htm).

(2006 07 03)