A project has been setup to investigate, choose, install and implement an interloans management system that will provide some un-mediated interloans together with staff tools to enable efficient management of the interloans service, both incoming and outgoing. This project is in the Library 2010 Strategic Plan and has funding in the current budget.

Library users will use a discovery interface (such as Te Puna) which will enable them to find resources where possible, and where they are not available, to easily lodge an interloans request. Some requests will be able to go directly to suppliers (un-mediated). Users would be able to request, review, renew and monitor progress of their requests. Library staff will have a single management interface for incoming and outgoing interloans and will be able to reuse of information added by users. The new system be able to collect statistics, and would provide tools for charging. This is also an opportunity to investigate collaboration with other libraries in this area and options for consortia borrowing or purchasing.

The Project team includes Sue Thompson, Jessica McVicar, Peter Kennedy, Cynthia Bishell Joan Simpson, Anne Scott (Project Manager) and Heather Jenks (Project Sponsor). There is a requirements document in the project folder on K:\projects\interloans_self_service that is being created on the needs for the system. There will be an opportunity for interested people to see demonstrations of any proposed system.

Feedback is welcome to any member of the project team or as comments. Cheers, Anne