Special delivery

Libraries have the option to send items direct to users in WorldCat Delivery Pilot

By Carrie Benseler

OCLC is testing a new service that will facilitate requests for library materials across disparate library system platforms and will interact with different circulation systems. The service will also test the optional delivery of requested library items directly to users at their homes or offices.

By using NCIP (NISO Circulation Interchange Protocol), OCLC is facilitating joining together of disparate integrated library systems (ILS) to create a circulation-based resource sharing service.

The goals of the pilot are to understand how libraries and library users would use direct delivery, if made available, and also to understand how libraries would use interoperability between their ILS to simplify their workflows. The pilot will include several representative library groups that use different ILS. A group of libraries in Montana will be among the first to pilot the new service, starting in November. Other pilot participants are in the process of being identified.

Work on the pilot began July 2006. The new service is planned to launch in 2007.

How it will work

WorldCat Delivery is a resource sharing brokering system that will integrate OCLC’s WorldCat Resource Sharing and ILLiad services with local ILS implementations. The service is an expansion of traditional interlibrary loan that crosses system platforms so that lending and borrowing becomes integrated with circulation activity.

If the resource sharing request cannot be filled by a WorldCat Delivery partner, it is automatically routed via WorldCat Resource Sharing as a traditional interlibrary loan request. An additional request does not need to be created by either the user or library staff.

The interoperability between OCLC services and library ILS will streamline library workfl ows and increase patron satisfaction by quicker fulfi llment and direct delivery options.

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