Why is OCLC integrating OCLC ILL into the FirstSearch
service?

Integration of OCLC ILL into the FirstSearch service will allow ILL staff to take advantage of many features available in FirstSearch that are not currently available through OCLC ILL. These include:

• Improved searching for materials
• Links to local catalogs
• Improved access to serials holdings statements
• Descriptive content including cover art, excerpts and links to reviews

In the longer term, reducing the number of interfaces will help OCLC reduce costs.

In addition to these features, staff will also be able to take advantage of new functionality that will be introduced through the FirstSearch staff view:

• Provide local call number and shelf status (through Z39.50) on lending requests
• Integrate circulation, e-content, and ILL into a single workflow
• Integrate ILL policy information to deflect unfillable requests, increase fill rates, and reduce turnaround time
• Apply library processing options; for example, handling requests differently if they come from faculty versus student populations or recognizing lending relationships between libraries
• Support group processing; for example, routing requests through group members before sending them to libraries outside the group
• Enable patrons to not only place requests through the FirstSearch service (available now), but also to track those requests, saving staff time and decreasing the costs of interlibrary loan
  

When will the WorldCat Resource Sharing staff view be
available?

The WorldCat Resource Sharing Staff View (formerly known as the FirstSearch/ILL Staff View) was launched in August 2003. In the WorldCat Resource Sharing staff view, library staff now has the ability to:

• Search for materials using WorldCat in FirstSearch
• Select from search results sorted by number of holdings
• Display holdings and enter lender strings
• Enter shipping and billing information and borrowing notes
• Send requests for those materials through to OCLC ILL
• Receive and update lending requests

Additional functionality will be added via quarterly enhancement updates to the WorldCat Resource Sharing staff view through June 2005.

How can I access the WorldCat Resource Sharing staff
view to access the OCLC ILL system?

If you already have an institutional FirstSearch account, you can access the staff view by logging in to your FirstSearch administrative module or contacting your group administrator to request this change. To activate the staff view, ILL staff must work with your library’s FirstSearch administrator to link an authorization for OCLC ILL and an authorization for FirstSearch within in the FirstSearch administrative module.

1. Log onto the FirstSearch administrative module.
2. Click the Resource Sharing tab, then the Staff ILL Settings link.
3. Under the Staff ILL Authorizations tab, enter a current OCLC ILL authorization for your institution in the Authorization field. Click Add to add it to the Authorization List.
4. Click Save Changes before exiting the screen.

Detailed instructions are available at http://oclc.org/info/ill/ quickstart_sharing_staffview.pdf. If you need help determining what your existing authorizations are or requesting new authorizations, please contact Tim Rivard (1.800.635.4638 x1949 or rivard@nelinet.net).

What if my library doesn't have a FirstSearch account?

Libraries will not have to purchase separate access to FirstSearch in order to use the new ILL system. Beginning October 10, 2004, all resource sharing users can now access WorldCat Resource Sharing. Staff no longer have to link their ILL authorization to a FirstSearch authorization prior to using the staff view. All valid resource sharing authorizations now work in the staff view and in the FirstSearch administrative module. Log onto the WorldCat Resource Sharing view using your ILL authorization and password at: http://firstsearch.oclc.org/.

How will my staff receive training to use the WorldCat Resource Sharing Staff View?

NELINET is offering training – both online and in-person - for the WorldCat Resource Sharing view; however, the staff view is very similar in functionality to the ILL Web interface. Any training you have received on the Web interface to OCLC ILL will readily transfer to the WorldCat Resource Sharing staff view. For more information on WorldCat Resource Sharing courses (called “OCLC ILL on FirstSearch”) and to register for classes, see our NELINET Educational Services Calendar.

In addition, there is a free OCLC online tutorial for the staff view.

How will pricing change? Do I have to subscribe to OCLC
ILL to continue to use the service?

From October 10, 2004 until June 30, 2005, OCLC will have two pricing options for the new ILL service: Subscription pricing and Transaction pricing. Beginning July 1, 2005, Subscription pricing will be the only option. More information about each of these options can be found at: http://www.nelinet.net/oclc/res_share/ill/illprice_opt.htm.

What is included in a subscription to OCLC ILL?

A subscription includes:

• Unlimited ILL services (searching, holdings, produces)
• Unlimited use of ILL Fee Management

A complete list of all product codes covered by the Subscription ILL Service is available at https://www3.oclc.org/app/rssub/ productcodes.htm.

How will libraries be rewarded for their lending?

Subscription pricing: A library's lending credit history will be applied as a lending credit discount in the quoted subscription price. Future increases in the subscription price will reflect the initial discount applied.

Transaction pricing: Lending credits will continue to be given as usual until transaction pricing is discontinued beginning July 1, 2005. Subscription pricing will be the only option at that point.

If a library uses FirstSearch on a per-search basis, will
they be charged for the FirstSearch search as well as the
ILL produce when using the WorldCat Resource Sharing
staff view?

Searches performed in the WorldCat Resource Sharing staff view will not be deducted from a library's per-search account. Libraries that opt for transaction pricing will be charged for ILL searching, displaying holdings, and producing an ILL request.

How will OCLC accommodate high-productivity libraries?

Batch processing of ILL requests will still be available to libraries. Details of this are still being determined. Batch process of ILL requests is scheduled for late 2004.

What documentation will be available about this change?

Documentation will be available in both printed and electronic form. Printed reference cards will supplement the online documentation. Online documentation will consist of context-sensitive help and HTML/PDF documentation. Users of OCLC resource sharing and FirstSearch will also use current documentation that supports these services.

How will the WorldCat Resource Sharing staff view
interact with the ILL Policies Directory?

Details of the interaction are still being worked out, but plans are for the WorldCat Resource Sharing staff view to interoperate with the Policies Directory. For example, requests sent to your library for items that you have already identified in your ILL Policies Directory policies as items you do not fill, will be deflected and sent to the next lender in the lender string. This will improve your library's fill rates as a lender and turnaround time as a borrower.

What will happen to existing constant data and custom
holdings?

Custom Holdings and Constant Data has been moved to the FirstSearch platform; users will not have to recreate Constant Data or Custom Holdings.

What will happen with non-OCLC products that currently
rely on OCLC ILL, for example CLIO, the Rapid system
(Colorado)?

OCLC is committed to providing the ability to download and upload. Just as in the past, OCLC will document the file structure and make these details freely available if requested.

What will ILS vendors need to do to continue to talk with
OCLC for their ILL? (E.g. Dynix, III, Autographics)

OCLC will continue to support Direct Request (direct-to-lender, direct-to-profile and, direct-to-review).

Will ISO-ILL still be supported?

Yes. OCLC is ISO 10161 compliant.

How will OCLC "sunset" the various ILL platforms that
currently exist?

OCLC's goal is to retire the current ILL platforms (Passport and ILL Web) by May 1, 2005.

My library uses ILLiad, which is not reliant on Passport.
Does that mean I don't have to do anything to ensure
continuing access?

OCLC ILLiad will continue to work with OCLC ILL and the WorldCat Resource Sharing staff view. As the migration continues, users of OCLC ILLiad will need to be sure that they are using the current versions of OCLC ILLiad in order to ensure access. ILLiad version 7.0 will be compliant with the WorldCat Resource Sharing staff view.

How will NELINET and OCLC keep users of the OCLC ILL
service informed of changes and important information?

OCLC-SHARING-L: This broadcast-only listserv was created to keep users OCLC ILL informed of upcoming enhancements to OCLC resource sharing. The list will help you take advantage of new capabilities coming in the next 18 months that can streamline your workflow and help you serve your users better. To subscribe to the new listserv go to the following OCLC Web page: https://www3.oclc.org/app/listserv/.

Res-Share@listserver.nelinet.net: This "open" and unmoderated NELINET list covers Resource Sharing products and services, including announcements of new products and upcoming product demonstrations, invitations to user meetings, reports of system outages, conference announcements, and reports. You may subscribe either: (1) via the web interface or (2) by sending an e-mail to lyris@listserver.nelinet.net. For e-mail requests: (a) leave the subject line blank, and (b) in the body of the message, type subscribe Res-Share your_name.

OCLC will post information online at the New Directions in Sharing page located at: http://oclc.org/info/ill/migration/.

April 10, 2008