MeLCat Resource Sharing Policies

1. Introduction
2. Definitions
3. Interlibrary Borrowing
4. Participating Library Responsibilities
5. Patron Records
6. Circulation Policies
7. Visiting Patron Reciprocal Borrowing
8. Lost and Damaged Materials
9. Problem Reporting and Resolution
10. Policy Revisions

1.0 Introduction

Access to information is a fundamental right of all Michigan residents. Since no individual library has the resources available to meet all patron needs, libraries participate in resource sharing services. These services supplement and greatly expand local collections, remove geographic barriers and are essential to libraries of all types and sizes. Successful resource sharing services depend on the ability to identify, locate and promptly deliver specific items to library patrons.

The purpose of the Michigan eLibrary Catalog (MeLCat) resource sharing service is to facilitate unmediated, patron-initiated borrowing and lending between participating libraries in Michigan. Participating libraries have agreed to abide by the resource sharing policies in this document. These policies are developed by the MeL Resource Sharing Policies Committee and are based on the ATLAS Interlibrary Loan Policies finalized on February 7, 2002. They become effective upon approval by the State Librarian.

1.1 Purpose of the Resource Sharing Policies

The purpose of the policies outlined herein is to:
1. support interlibrary cooperation among all types of libraries participating in MeLCat;
2. encourage continued development of high quality resource sharing services to Michigan library users;
3. provide standards, guidelines and protocols for consistent MeLCat practice at the state level;
4. provide delivery of information and materials across the state in a timely manner;
5. help ensure equitable lending and borrowing within Michigan.

MeLCat resource sharing services, as defined in these policies, are intended to serve as a supplement to, not a substitute for, local collection development and local automated circulation systems. Participating libraries are responsible for providing their own local circulation systems.

1.2 Existing Resource Sharing Arrangements in Michigan

In Michigan, resource sharing arrangements have been developed by library groups and networks organized geographically or by mutual interest. The intent of these policies is to expand local resource sharing to a statewide level. The policies established in this document are based on accepted national practice and have been designed to be as liberal and easy to use as possible. It is not the intent of these policies to govern resource sharing with libraries outside of Michigan.

2.0 Definitions

2.1 API

2.2 Authentication

2.3 Borrowing Library (Home Library)

2.4 NCIP

2.5 Non-returnables

2.6 Patron Type Coding (Ptype)

Ptypes are used to define categories of patrons who may have different circulation privileges.

2.7 SSH

SSH (Secure SHell) is a program designed to perform a number of functions, such as file transfer between computers, execution of commands on a remote computer, or logging on to a computer over a network. It does these tasks with greater security than previous programs such as telnet or ftp.

2.8 SSL

SSL is an acronym for "Secure Sockets Layer", a security protocol that provides communications privacy over the Internet. The protocol allows client/server applications to communicate in a way that is designed to prevent eavesdropping, tampering, or message forgery.

2.9 Supplying Library

The library that supplies an item requested through the MeLCat resource sharing system. The supplying library lends the item to the borrowing library.

2.10 Transit Time

The time it takes an item to be transported between libraries.

2.11 Visiting Patron Reciprocal Borrowing

In-person borrowing by patrons authorized by their home libraries to check out materials at the supplying libraries. Both the home and supplying libraries must be participants in the MeLCat reciprocal borrowing service. These patrons are called visiting patrons.

2.12 Week Days

Week days are Monday through Friday, excluding the MeL Delivery Holidays.

3.0 Interlibrary Borrowing

3.1 Eligible Patrons

The MeLCat resource sharing service is available to registered library patrons at any participating MeLCat library in Michigan. Patrons must be authorized to borrow materials through MeLCat and be in good standing with their local school, public, academic or special libraries as defined by the policies of their home libraries. The patrons can search, make requests, renew, review status and cancel requests prior to the items shipping. Patrons may not place holds or recalls on MeLCat items.

3.2 Maximum Number of MeLCat Requests

Eligible patrons will be allowed to have up to 50 active MeLCat requests at a time. MeLCat requests are active from the time they are made until the requested items have been returned to the supplying libraries or until they are cancelled.

3.3 Patron Responsibilities

Patrons requesting and receiving items through the MeLCat system are responsible for complying with the conditions of loan established by MeLCat and their home libraries. They are responsible for making sure their patron information is up-to-date at their home libraries. Patrons are also responsible for returning items to the library from which they were borrowed on or before the stated due date, as well as for paying any late fees, damage or replacement reimbursement fees while the item is in their possession as determined by the policy of the patron's home library. If patrons return materials to a different participating MeL delivery library, they may be responsible for fines accrued until the items are checked in by the borrowing library.

3.4 Eligible Libraries

Any Michigan library may participate in the MeLCat resource sharing service. Participation is voluntary. A participating library agrees to:
1. loan its requestable materials at no charge;
2. assign barcodes to returnable items loaned from its collections;
3. provide access to up-to-date local patron records to be used to authenticate patrons;
4. register patrons with a barcode or other identification number so they may use the MelCat system, e.g., by issuing library cards or identification numbers;
5. use MeLCat’s INN-Reach and Direct Consortial Borrowing (DCB) system to check out MeLCat items to its patrons;
6. compensate the supplying library for materials lost or damaged by its patrons;
7. participate in the MeL Delivery Service;
8. add its holdings to the MeLCat statewide union catalog;
9. participate in MeLCat's non-returnables lending service when it becomes available;
10. provide a MeLCat administrative contact as well as primary and backup contacts for the day-to-day operation of the MeLCat resource sharing system. These contacts will subscribe to the appropriate MeLCat discussion list; and
11. abide by the MeLCat statewide catalog and resource sharing policies.

3.5 Requestable Materials

Participating libraries are required to make their circulating book collections available for loan. Special collections, including audio-visual collections, may be made available at the discretion of the supplying library. Libraries are encouraged to be generous about lending their circulating materials.

Materials with a status of available in the patron's home library will not be requestable through MeLCat.

3.6 Scope of Service

MeLCat libraries that participate in the resource sharing system are expected to use both the borrowing and lending components of the service.

3.7 Load Balancing Principles

The MeLCat resource sharing service goal is to get requested materials to patrons as quickly and efficiently as possible from any participating library in the state. Further, the service seeks to balance lending and borrowing among all participating libraries so that there are no net lenders. To balance lending and borrowing, MeLCat staff will regularly monitor usage and adjust the load balancing tables in the software.

4.0 Participating Library Responsibilities

4.1 MeLCat Implementation

Groups of libraries will be regularly scheduled for MeLCat implementation. Libraries implementing MeLCat resource sharing will be required to complete their system profiling, data loading, training and testing before they "go live". This includes deciding which of their patron types are authorized to borrow materials through MeLCat and which of their collections are requestable. If a library cannot complete these steps within the scheduled time, it will be re-scheduled to a future group of MeLCat libraries to be implemented.

4.2 Unautomated Libraries

Libraries without online catalogs and automated circulation systems will be able to participate in MeLCat resource sharing when they have met the minimum requirement for adding their holdings to the MeLCat statewide union catalog. At that time, they may begin inputting patron records to the MeLCat central system and authorizing patrons to make requests. They are required to input records for at least 75% of their registered patrons during the first year of their participation.

4.3 Turnaround Time

Participating libraries are expected to respond to requests for materials within two week days. Unfilled requests are sent on after 6 days.

4.4 Right of Refusal

While supplying libraries are encouraged to loan materials as generously as possible, it is understood that some items may not be loaned because they are in poor condition, not on the shelf, checked out, being processed, non-circulating or have local restrictions on use. Libraries are expected to provide reasons why they are unable to lend requested materials.

4.5 Delivery Requirements

The MeLCat resource sharing service requires timely delivery of requested materials. During the first year of the service, timely delivery is defined as a transit time between libraries of no more than five days. During the second year, it is defined as a transit time of no more than four days. During the third and subsequent years, it is defined as a transit time of no more than three days.

MeLCat libraries are responsible for participating in the MeL Delivery Service in a way that enables their shipments to meet the timely delivery requirements. A library's participation in MeLCat resource sharing will be suspended during times the Delivery Service is not operational, e.g., during the summer months for libraries using 38-week school year delivery.

Participating libraries are responsible for including approved paging slips and exterior identification with each item shipped. For procedures, see MeL Book Bands and Book Labels.

4.6 Returning Borrowed Materials

Borrowing libraries will return items promptly, follow up with patrons when needed and use the packaging required by the MeL Delivery Service.

4.7 NISO Circulation Interchange Protocol (NCIP) Requirements

Participating libraries without an application programming interface (API) between their local systems and the MeLCat system are strongly encouraged, but not required, to obtain NCIP Direct Consortial Borrowing Profile 3 capability for their local systems.

4.8 Closure Periods

Participating libraries are responsible for notifying MeLCat staff in advance about closures, or periods of suspended service, that will be longer than four week days.

4.9 Patron Assistance

Patron requests for materials are not mediated by borrowing library staff. Borrowing library staff are expected to help their patrons use the resource sharing system and to communicate between their patrons and the supplying libraries about items not returned, items damaged and other situations.

4.10 Staff Responsibilities

Participating library staff will be authorized for access to the appropriate MeLCat functions after they have completed the required training.

4.11 Management and Statistical Reports

Participating libraries will be responsible for monitoring their own MeLCat management and statistical reports for their lending and borrowing activities and for following up on materials identified in tracking reports.

4.12 System Evaluation

Participating libraries will be expected to provide statistics of their lending and borrowing activities at least annually upon request. They will also be expected to participate in staff and patron satisfaction surveys as needed.

4.13 Withdrawal from MeLCat Participation

If a library has decided to withdraw from MeLCat participation, it will be responsible for responding to MeLCat resource sharing requests until a mutually-agreed date within three months notice of withdrawal.

5.0 Patron Records

5.1 Standards

Participating libraries must provide up-to-date records for their patrons who are eligible to request MeLCat items. Records for other patrons may also be provided and identified as ineligible to make requests. At least two test patron records must be provided. The patron records must have the patron's name, identifier such as a barcode, expiration date, and patron type coding. Optionally, the patron records may also include the patron's address, telephone number, email address, PIN and blocks, e.g., for money owed.

5.2 Updating Requirements

Daily updates of new and changed patron information are recommended. The frequency of patron record updates is at the discretion of the participating library. Patron record deletions can be done as part of the daily update process or on a quarterly basis, depending on local system capabilities.

5.3 Patron Privacy

Participating libraries are responsible for ensuring the confidentiality of patron records according to the Michigan Library Privacy Act, PA 455 of 1982 as amended. For information see: Michigan Library Privacy Act.

5.4 Patron Records on MeLCat Servers

Participating libraries' patron records that are stored on MeLCat servers will only be accessible to authorized MeLCat staff and to library staff with authorization to view or edit their own libraries' records. Only authorized staff at the home library may override blocks for their patrons.

Copies of the patron records will be made only for the purposes of system backup in case of emergencies and will be kept no longer than three months. Patron information will not be archived. MeLCat will keep no borrowing history information linked to patron records after the materials have been returned to the supplying libraries.

5.5 Transmission of Patron Information Between Local and MeLCat Servers

To ensure secure transmission of patron information between local system and MeLCat servers, participating libraries with an API will use Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) security protocol for data encryption. Participating libraries without an API will use Secure Shell (SSH) security protocol to transmit patron records to MeLCat.

6.0 Circulation Policies

These loan rules are used for all MeLCat returnable materials circulated through borrowing libraries.

6.1 Loan Periods

MeLCat’s standard loan period between libraries allows 31 days for delivery, pickup and use of the item, and its return. The length of loan to patrons is three weeks with one renewal.

MeLCat’s optional loan period between libraries allows 17 days for delivery, pickup and use of the item, and its return. The length of loan to patrons is 7 days with no renewal. Only music audio formats, videos (VHS) and DVDs may use this optional loan rule.

6.2 Renewals

MeLCat items on standard loan may be renewed once for three weeks from the date renewed. Renewals will not be granted until seven days before the due date. Renewals will not be allowed for materials on which holds have been placed by the supplying libraries, for materials using the optional loan period, or for patrons no longer in good standing with their home libraries. Library staff are authorized to renew overdue MeLCat items, at their discretion.

6.3 Overdue Materials and Fines

The borrowing library is responsible for retrieving overdue items from its patrons. Overdue fines are the local decision of the borrowing library. Loans between the supplying library and the borrowing library will be considered overdue when they are 30 days past the due date.

6.4 Claims Returned

The borrowing library is responsible for items its patrons claim to have returned. No updates will be made in MeLCat until the supplying library has been contacted to determine if the item has been received. Claims returned items will be treated as overdue or lost in MeLCat, if the items cannot be located.

6.5 Patron Fees

Libraries will not charge their patrons fees for requesting and borrowing items from MeLCat libraries, or for not picking up items they requested. Borrowing libraries may charge their patrons overdue fines and replacement charges for lost or damaged materials according to their local policies.

6.6 Notices

Borrowing libraries will be responsible for notifying their patrons when materials are available for pickup and when materials are overdue. Patron notices provided by MeLCat will be sent via email. Libraries using MeLCat for their patron notices will supply a library email account to be used as a default. Libraries without an API can choose whether to notify their patrons through MeLCat or through their local systems. Libraries with an API will use their local systems for notices.

6.7 Holds and Recalls

Patrons will not be allowed to place holds or recalls on items in MeLCat. Supplying library staff may place holds for materials that are needed back, in order to block renewals.

6.8 Time to Pickup

Patrons will be given ten days to pick up items at the borrowing library before the materials will be returned to the supplying library.

6.9 Course Reserves

Materials borrowed through MeLCat will not be placed on course reserve at the borrowing library.

7.0 Visiting Patron Reciprocal Borrowing

Visiting patron reciprocal borrowing is a service provided by MeLCat to give patrons of participating libraries the option to get immediate access to the materials they need. Patrons are able to check materials out in person at the supplying libraries instead of waiting for the materials to be delivered to their home libraries for pickup. Their home libraries are still responsible for the borrowed materials until they are returned. This service builds on reciprocal borrowing arrangements already in use among Michigan libraries.

7.1 Participation in Visiting Patron Reciprocal Borrowing

Use of the visiting patron reciprocal borrowing service is optional for each MeLCat participating library. Libraries that choose to participate in reciprocal borrowing agree to lend as well as borrow. Libraries will determine which of their patron types are eligible to be visiting patrons. Eligible patrons may go to any MeLCat library that participates in reciprocal borrowing and may check out materials even if the items are available in their home libraries.

7.2 Responsibilities of Libraries Participating in Visiting Patron Reciprocal Borrowing

Participating libraries are responsible for informing patrons about their visiting patron privileges through MeLCat. They agree to take responsibility for the materials their patrons check out at supplying libraries. They agree to lend to eligible, registered patrons from other MeLCat reciprocal borrowing libraries. They agree to identify as MeLCat loans the materials they check out to visiting patrons.

7.3 Visiting Patron Responsibilities

Patrons who visit supplying libraries to check out materials need to be eligible and registered with a barcode or other patron identifier from MeLCat libraries that participate in visiting patron reciprocal borrowing. They will also be expected to present a picture ID when borrowing materials. They may return materials to either the supplying libraries or their home libraries.

8.0 Lost and Damaged Materials

8.1 Borrowing Library Responsibility

The borrowing library is responsible for borrowed material from the time it leaves the supplying library until it has been returned to and received by the supplying library. This includes all material checked out directly to visiting patrons by the supplying libraries.

The borrowing library will be responsible for compensation or replacement of lost or damaged items, in accordance with the preference of the supplying library. The supplying library can bill the borrowing library a replacement amount determined by their local policies.  The supplying library refers patrons who contact them about replacement to their home libraries.  The MeLCat replacement default amount will be $100.01. There will be an explanation on the MeLCat billing notice stating that the actual replacement amount may be higher or lower depending on the supplying library's policies.

If the borrowing libraries are unable to recover the cost of lost items from their patrons, they may submit requests for reimbursement to the Library of Michigan.  Click on this link for the reimbursement  procedure. The State Librarian or his/her designee will determine the amount of reimbursement that can be made on an annual, or more frequent, basis.

8.2 Lost in Transit

For materials lost in transit between libraries, the library that shipped the material is responsible for contacting the delivery service.  The borrowing library is responsible for billing the delivery service for the replacement amount they were invoiced by the supplying library.  To report lost items, use  the MeL Delivery Service Issues form. 

9.0 Problem Reporting and Resolution

9.1 Problem Reporting

Participating libraries will work together to resolve resource sharing problems between themselves and will provide contact persons to follow up promptly on problem reports received.

If problems persist or are ignored, participating libraries may report them to MeLCat staff, who will contact the libraries involved to analyze and find solutions to the problems.

9.2 Unresolved Problems

When problems cannot be resolved by MeLCat staff within a reasonable time, the libraries will receive at least two written warnings before their problems are referred to the MeL Resource Sharing Policies Committee for action recommendations. Serious problems, including but not limited to unmet financial obligations, could result in suspension of MeLCat resource sharing privileges. The State Librarian or his/her designee will be the final arbiter.

10.0 Policy Revisions

These policies will be reviewed as needed, at least annually, by the MeLCat Advisory Committee. Comments on revisions will be solicited from the participating libraries, e.g., through the MeL Users Group, before the changes are forwarded to the State Librarian for approval.

Recommended by the MeL Resource Sharing Policies Committee: July 26, 2004

 

Date approved by the State Librarian: August 6, 2004.

Date revisions to 4.5, 6.1 and 6.2 approved by the Acting State Librarian: July 15, 2005

Date revisions to 8.1 and 8.2 approved by the State Librarian: May 17, 2006.