Maine Shared Collections Strategy Update, August 31, 2011

Maine Shared Collections Strategy

Program Update, August 31, 2011

First Year Deliverables (taken from the grant narrative):

Project milestones that will be accomplished within year 1 will lay the foundation for developing the collaborative strategy:

  • Collection analysis system is implemented
  • Agreement on a retention policy on number of copies for each title
  • Agreement on retention policy for identical print and digital titles
  • Public domain selections are integrated into systems
  • Project Web site is implemented
  • Specifications for requesting POD and EOD delivery from online requests are determined
  • Agreement on a policy on POD and EOD service

Current Activities:

 

Collection Analysis System (CAS):

We are currently determining our expectations for a CAS and researching available options.  After finalizing this information, we will determine if we need to build our own system, subscribe to an existing service such as OCLC’s WorldCat Collection Analysis, or some combination of the two.

 

Website:

A site with basic project information has been established at http://www.maineinfonet.net/mscs/ ; we have hired a web developer and are in the process of working with them to develop a project logo and more professional looking website.  We hope to have this completed by mid-October.

 

Print-on-Demand (POD):

Based on a higher than expected price quote, as well as feedback from two libraries who have installed them, it was decided not to purchase an Espresso Book Machine. We are currently pursuing other print-on-demand options, including a partnership with the University of Maine’s Printing Services Unit; we are also beginning discussions with Fogler Library’s Interlibrary Loan Office to pilot possible POD services.  [Note: this will have budget implications, as the cost for the EBM was a partner match.]

 

Upcoming Events:

September 8th: conference call with Advisory Board

September 12th: Meeting of partner Technical Services/Systems Representatives

September 13th: Project Team meeting

October 29th, 1:45-2:45: Panel presentation on the project, Maine Library Association Conference.

November 2nd-6th: Clem Guthro and Valerie Glenn will be attending the Charleston Conference. Clem will be leading a lightning round session during a Print Archiving preconference.