AURORA, CO, June 9, 2008 — The Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) has released the final report of a comprehensive interlibrary loan study commissioned by TSLAC and conducted by BCR. Texas Resource Sharing: Examining the Present, Envisioning a Vibrant Future, provides a review of current resource sharing literature and best practices as well as a workflow and cost analysis of interlibrary loan centers currently providing services to Texas public libraries. In addition, an overview of alternative resource sharing solutions with a cost benefit analysis that considers financial, logistical and political costs is included. All potential solutions were developed and rated with the goal to provide both cost-effective and quality resource sharing service to Texas library patrons.
A team from BCR, including President and CEO Brenda Bailey-Hainer, Member Services Librarian Heather Clark and Consultant Lynn Taylor, joined with consulting partners, CIVICTechnologies and Your Perceptions, to complete the project.
"This project was an exciting venture for BCR staff members who have gained a deeper insight into the resource sharing environment and the needs of library patrons," commented President and CEO Brenda Bailey-Hainer "BCR looks forward to continued opportunities to assist other libraries and consortia in similar projects that evaluate their work processes for improved efficiency and service."
Texas State Librarian Peggy D. Rudd noted, "We feel the study was very successful and provides us with a great deal of useful information for moving forward."
The report is available on the TSLAC website at www.texshare.edu/apps/illstudy2008/index.php. TSLAC has appointed an implementation task force that is broadly representative of the library community to review the study and recommend pilot projects. A final program recommendation will be made after reviewing pilot results, comments from the ILL community and other data.
Assistance with background research was provided by BCR’s consulting partners, CIVICTechnologies and Your Perceptions. CIVICTechnologies supplied GIS (geographic information system) mapping services, including demographic, population and resource sharing program participation in order to analyze the current distribution of resource sharing activities in the state and to project future needs of Texans. Your Perceptions deployed patron and library staff surveys both online and on-site at 21 locations across the state.
About BCR
BCR brings libraries together for greater success by expanding their knowledge, reach and power. They offer a broad range of solutions and their hands-on, personal attention to each member enables them to deliver effective and timely solutions that help libraries keep pace with new developments in technology and services. BCR is the nation’s oldest and most established multistate library cooperative. Since 1935, the BCR team has helped libraries learn new skills, reach patrons, increase productivity and save money.
