150 Libraries from Colorado State Library Join Prospector Consortium Using Innovative INN-Reach to Create One Statewide Shared Catalog
EMERYVILLE, Calif. September 9, 2020 – Innovative, a ProQuest company and leading global provider of library software, announced today that the Colorado State Library is merging SWIFT, a statewide resource sharing initiative, into the Prospector INN-Reach system managed by the Colorado Alliance of Research Libraries. The project will add approximately 150 libraries to Prospector, creating a state-wide resource sharing network for Colorado libraries.
The Colorado State Library (CSL) provides library leadership and expertise to libraries, schools, museums, and other organizations, ensuring quality library services are provided to all Coloradans. SWIFT is a statewide interlibrary loan service for libraries, allowing patrons to search and place requests for materials located throughout the state of Colorado.
“We want to provide the citizens of Colorado with access to resources no matter where they live in the state, which means ensuring the less-resourced libraries have access to resources they couldn’t get on their own,” said Regan Harper, Director of Networking and Resource Sharing at the Colorado State Library.
The SWIFT initiative has been using OCLC VDX for over 15 years. Using VDX meant libraries had to actively maintain two systems, which was an incredibly difficult challenge for high-volume libraries, leading to increased member attrition over time.
“When we would ask libraries what they wanted in their next system, they would always just say, ‘Prospector,’” said Harper.
Prospector is a resource sharing system run by the Colorado Alliance of Research Libraries for academic, public and special libraries that share resources through Innovative INN-Reach. Prospector has grown from eight libraries in 1999 to 50 participating libraries today. On an average year, they lend about 500,000 items through their system. With this move, Prospector will grow to about 200 libraries.
Joining the Prospector INN-Reach network means participating SWIFT libraries will provide a shared catalog experience where patrons can initiate the borrowing process and the system automatically responds. Libraries only maintain their one system and requests are processed just like a standard hold from a local branch.
“This is a significant move in the state of Colorado to use INN-Reach to help libraries of all sizes have a single circulation solution that serves everyone,” said Yariv Kursh, General Manager of Innovative. “We are proud that our technology solution can enable access and resources to all Coloradans even those living in remote parts of the state.”
This INN-Reach consortium will be similar to other state-wide resource sharing networks, such as MaineCat in Maine and MeLCat, the Michigan eLibrary in Michigan.
“I am excited to see that many small towns will now be able to share resources across various community groups because both universities and public libraries will be participating in the system,” said George Machovec, Executive Director, Colorado Alliance of Research Libraries.
Innovative will work with SWIFT and Prospector over the next 6-12 months to make sure each of the 150 libraries have a smooth transition to INN-Reach. The project manager leading this work at CSL is Lori Smith, the SWIFT Coordinator. She has worked with SWIFT member libraries for more than 10 years and will continue to be their go-to support and training resource. Rose Nelson, the Assistant Director at the Colorado Alliance of Research Libraries, will continue to support and manage the Prospector system.
Libraries interested in expanding their collection through cost-effective Resource Sharing can learn more about INN-Reach at https://www.iii.com/products/resource-sharing/
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About Innovative
Innovative, a ProQuest company, provides leading technology solutions and services that empower libraries and enrich their users worldwide. Innovative offers one of the most comprehensive portfolios of library automation products on the market today, serving academic, public, national, consortia, and corporate and special libraries. Headquartered in Emeryville, California, Innovative has a global presence—serving thousands of libraries in 66 countries and offices worldwide. For more information, visit www.iii.com.