Plan ahead for your Spring semester OhioLINK requests
New requests through the OhioLINK Central Catalog will be suspended from March 11, 2022 through the end of April 2022.
We wanted to let you know as soon as we could that OhioLINK's statewide courier is changing again. In the long run this is very good news, because the new courier has a history of providing efficient delivery service. But during the transition, library patrons in Ohio can expect some disruption to OhioLINK services.
This suspension of service will continue through the end of April 2022.
Try to anticipate your needs now and make all OhioLINK requests as early as possible prior to March 11.
In many cases, there are alternate ways to obtain research materials, including electronic formats and Interlibrary Loan.
Your Personal Librarians are happy to help you.
For more information, contact Sarah Benedict, coordinator, Interlibrary Loan Services.
WHY IS THIS HAPPENING AGAIN?
OhioLINK has provided this FAQ:
What is happening with the statewide delivery service vendor?
The Ohio Department of Administrative Services (DAS), The State Library of Ohio, and OhioLINK have come to agreement that it is necessary to change providers for the print delivery system across the State of Ohio.
This agreement was made with the understanding that delivery of shared library resources continues to be frustrating for many libraries, students, and faculty. We acknowledge that this long-term solution to remedy existing delivery service issues will impose additional short-term challenges.
Collaboration between OhioLINK and the State Library of Ohio libraries to provide access to shared library resources across the state is a unique service for Ohioans. This access to shared materials is paramount to fulfilling our libraries’ missions and remains one of our most-appreciated services.
Why are we changing statewide delivery service providers again?
The contract for the statewide delivery service is a joint contract with the State Library of Ohio and we must follow Ohio Department of Administrative Services (DAS) guidelines. The July 2021 delivery service change was the result of a required competitive bid process.
After making every effort to establish the delivery network, the Ohio Department of Administrative Services (DAS), the State Library of Ohio, and OhioLINK have come to agreement that it is necessary to again change providers to bring statewide delivery of library materials to expected levels of service.
When will the new delivery provider begin service?
The existing delivery provider has been directed by DAS to stop delivery service on April 15. The new delivery provider will begin statewide service on April 18. OhioLINK and The State Library of Ohio are working closely with both delivery providers to implement a transition plan to minimize disruption to library users.
The new delivery provider is the company that previously held the statewide delivery service contract from 2012 through June 31, 2021. They have proven that they can manage the quantity of materials and complexity of Ohio’s unique library lending program. In addition, they have committed to providing a dedicated delivery service for only library materials beginning with this new contract. We are confident in their leadership and know they can once again provide an efficient statewide delivery service.
Where are my requested items? Can they be traced?
The volume and logistics for the statewide delivery service are complex, and unfortunately, our delivery network does not allow for tracking and locating specific user's requests. However, it is not necessary to re-request items that are delayed. Requests remain in the system until they are fulfilled.
If you are a library user and have an urgent need for specific materials, please contact your local librarian to explore alternative formats, titles, and sources.
I need library materials for a class or presentation. Who can help me?
Your best source of information and assistance is your own institution’s librarians. They may be able to find alternative format or sources for your needed materials, including exploring Inter-Library Loan (ILL).
Please do not re-request delayed materials. Your requests are active in the system until they are completed. Once your local library staff becomes aware that there is a delivery issue, they submit a support ticket, which is centrally analyzed and tracked to resolution.
Will patrons be able to use the Visiting Patron function after the March 11 pause in Central Catalog requesting?
Yes. After working with Innovative, we’ve determined that the best way to pause lending will be to simply remove the “Request” butting from the Classic and Encore interfaces for the Central Catalog. By using this method to pause lending, Visiting Patron will still be an option for users.
Will patrons be able to request items from SearchOhio after the March 11 pause in Central Catalog requesting?
No. SearchOhio has announced that they will also be halting new requests in the SearchOhio Catalog on March 11.
Can OhioLINK libraries borrow & lend print items between consortium members through ILL?
While lending through the Central Catalog is paused, libraries may make ILL requests for items held at other OhioLINK institutions, provided that these requests can be sent by the lending institution via non-courier delivery (UPS, USPS, FedEx, etc.). For consistency in libraries’ workflows, ILL requests made between OhioLINK institutions during this time should follow libraries’ standard ILL policies.
We will return to the usual ILL practice after lending through the Central Catalog is again available.
What is being done to ensure proper handling of materials already in transit?
OhioLINK and The State Library are committed to implementing a smooth transition, and this includes expediting the return of all materials currently in transit.
If you are an OhioLINK library staff member, please continue to fill out the Delivery Service Form to notify our vendor of delivery issues. For lost and/or damaged items, please submit claims through the current vendor's web claims form(link sends e-mail).
What’s the best way to notify OhioLINK about service issues?
Contact your local library. Your library’s staff submits support tickets to OhioLINK. All reported problems are reviewed and tracked. OhioLINK and the State Library use these tickets to analyze problems and work with the courier on resolutions.
How can I stay up to date on what’s going on with the delivery service?
If you are a library user, the best source of information will be your local librarians. OhioLINK and the State Library of Ohio are committed to open and accurate communications as we work through this transition. Please stay in touch with your library administration and print circulation supervisors.