Project ReShare Requirements for MOBIUS
Requesting and circulation workflows
Patron uses a patron search application to search and make requests from ReShare
Primary use case supports a patron-initiated request UX without mediation by library staff.
Secondary use case allows library staff to act as proxy requester on behalf of patron.
Patron authentication
If not already authenticated, placing a ReShare request requires the patron to authenticate via the method used by the patron’s library.
Authentication requires the user to supply credentials to authenticate their library account and check eligibility against their library system.
The patron’s ILS determines patron’s eligibility to request. If not found or eligible, ReShare will display messages corresponding to the issue blocking a request
If eligible, the patron selects a pickup location from the patron’s library and members participating in the pickup select program.
Patron submits request and the item selection process begins
Item selection process
Identify all items available for loan and on-shelf.
Of those on-shelf, prioritize placing a request on a copy that is closest to the pickup location.
When all items are either on loan or holds, place request on the one likely to be returned soonest (combination of number of holds and due date)
If the instance record has volumes, allow the patron to select a volume and allow ReShare to select the items using the same item selection process as for monographs
Optional feature to allow staff to place a hold on behalf of a patron and to bypass the standard item selection process in favor of requesting a specific copy.
Request sent to the lending library in near real-time (NRT)
Request processing
Request associated with an institutional patron
Request added to pull list
If library is unable to locate material, library uses ILS to cancel the request, ReShare searches for another item (using same item selection algorithm for original request)
If library locates material, prepares it for fulfillment/transit and using checkout, circulates the item to the borrowing library.
Print transit slip
The slip will include borrowing library name and code (for label making)
Put into transit
Lending library system automatically updates catalog
In NRT, ReShare updates union catalog
In NRT, ReShare updates the borrowing library ReShare item status
Both library and patron can track the status of their ReShare transactions within their ILS and patron empowerment features
Courier picks up materials and delivers them to correct borrowing libraries [Not an ILS step]
Borrowing library scans and receives the delivered materials using ILS checkin capability
If items is scanned at the wrong library destination, system to alert operator to route to intended destination and puts item in-transit to destination location
Hold triggered; ILS directs user to put item on the physical hold shelf
ILS updates ReShare item record
Patron is notified via their ILS ((email, text, sms) via available notification methods of the library system notification capabilities.
Patron arrives at the pickup location to checkout ReShare item(s)
Circulation of ReShare items via ILS using ILS circulation rules
ILS updates ReShare item record
Patron returns ReShare items
If a patron returns ReShare item(s) to their library, the ILS updates the item(s) to a returned state
In NRT, ReShare updates the item library that the item is in-transit to the owning library
In-transit slip produced (dependent upon the capabilities of the ILS)
ReShare Item shipped to home library
Patron responsibility of ReShare item(s) complete
Material arrives at home library
Item is scanned using ILS check-in
ILS updates local catalog status
In NRT, ReShare updates the union catalog
Cataloging
Automatic contribution of records to the ReShare union catalog in NRT as records are cataloged/added, updated or deleted on the local system.
Contribution of records applies on a per library basis and addressable by encoding on a record-by-record basis.
Patron search
The ability to allow all libraries to enable or, in the case of Sierra and Polaris, create code to execute a pass-through search from the local patron search application to the ReShare union catalog.
The ability to facet locations by library (not shelving location) in the LOCATE union catalog and apply to both search results and item requesting.
The ability to visually associate an 856 field with the corresponding holding library in LOCATE on the ReShare union catalog. This is dependent upon known location data stored within the 856 location subfield.
On the full record display, the ability to view libraries with holdings that are currently eligible for loan and are on-shelf at the library.
On the full record display, the ability to place a request.
Administration
As much as possible, provide MCO the means to administer and configure ReShare tables, settings and parameters
A way to easily identify last copies in the system.
Ability to calibrate via configuration the match algorithm (multiple, definable, hierarchical, matchpoints) to identify matches
Ability to calibrate via configuration the algorithm for determining the best instance record used for “match and attach” of items to a union catalog.
Options on how the system chooses an item to fill a hold and when to prompt for more information from the user (i.e. volume and serial records).
The ability to visually associate an 856 field with the corresponding holding library in LOCATE on the ReShare union catalog.
The OPAC must be responsive down to a hand-held device.
The ability to generate “Too Long reports” or something similar.
The ability for all MOBIUS members to access ReShare circulation lending and borrowing statistical reports.
The ability to access ReShare circulation transaction logs and download in one or more common output formats (e.g. csv).
NOTES
Wherever near real time (NRT) is mentioned, it equates to a range from one second to five minutes. This range is largely dependent upon finding the right frequency of updates allowed by the ILS network traffic controller.
Where mentioned, ILS = FOLIO, Polaris, Sierra library service platforms. Unless a specific library system is mentioned,
Unless specified to the contrary, all capabilities are required for the MOBIUS’ go-live offering. As part of an iterative development process, new capabilities may be identified and folded into go-live plan or post-go-live. This is expected that all parties will, in good faith, seek to balance existing project priorities and new capabilities.
All workflows are intended to illustrate the user journey and are subject to change by K-Int and EBSCO.
Unless others specified, circulation workflow and corresponding functionality heavily leverages the library ILS. That said, there may be cases where the only means for creating a capability is to request development from an ILS vendor. On-site borrowing is one such capability that we already know about. In all cases, it is incumbent upon all parties to consult on the issue and, define and take steps to address. Work as a team, succeed as a team.
The refinement of match algorithms can be a significant investment. Collectively, we are collectively committed to moving at a speed relative to the impact and take measured steps to affect the best outcome for all. Generally speaking, rushing changes in this area of the system are likely to result in significant cost to the project.
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Project ReShare - Roadmap
A MOBIUS Project ReShare roadmap will be detailed here when it is completed.
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