Update on the Request Service

a. Special Collections Pilot

A pilot extension of the Request service to special collections materials is now being tested and is expected to debut for users this summer.  Under guidance from the Resource Sharing Committee and the Heads of Special Collections, the Request team has changed the programming to identify Requests of special collections materials and, where appropriate, forward the request and inform the user that the material may be loaned and used in a controlled setting.  Material that can be safely transported to a reading room on the user’s campus from a participating owning library will be delivered through Request.  When they use the Request button for these specially managed materials, users will see a message describing the process and some restrictions on use, which are often necessary for the protection of rare or fragile materials.  Requestors will also be informed about those special collections materials that are not available for loan.

b. Relation to A&I Databases Transition

Request is an important part of the CDL-Hosted A&I databases transition (see http://www.cdlib.org/libstaff/sharedcoll/a-i-trans/).  The ability of vendor systems to link to the Request system has been a key criterion used by the Transition Steering Committee to help guide the formation of its recommendations.  Several vendors have existing components that could be used to link from search results to the Request system.  Most others indicate a willingness to work with the CDL to add the feature via the OpenURL standard and “localization” techniques, such as those provided through SFX, which the CDL has purchased from Ex Libris.

c. Staffing Changes

The CDL is pleased to announce that Claire Bellanti, Head of Access Services at UCLA’s University Research Library and Director of the SRLF, has begun a 25% appointment as coordinator of operations for Request.  Mary Heath, manager of CDL Technologies’ access group, will chair the Request Project Team.

Karen Butter will step down from nearly two years as CDL Senior Associate for Resource Sharing and the chairship of the Request Project Team when the CBS procurement is complete.  Tammy Dearie, who has been coordinator of campus operations since the beginning of the Request project, will step down from her 25% appointment in order to concentrate on her new position at UCSD as head of the Social Sciences and Humanities Library.  Tammy will continue to share her expertise as a member of the Request Project Team.  Tammy’s and Karen’s leadership have been invaluable to the development and success of the Request service, and we ask that you join us in thanking them and in welcoming Claire and Mary to their new roles.

d. Consortial Borrowing System

Progress continues on the selection of a UC-wide Consortial Borrowing System(CBS) which will link to the Request system.  The CBS will combine workflows for filling interlibrary loan requests, provide patrons with new features such as the ability to check the status of requests, and facilitate desktop delivery of non-returnable items.