library services

Inter-loans Networks

Prosentient's Interloans application allows libraries to consort together with like minded organisations to provide a no-charge inter-library loan facility between the members.

The original and largest of these networks is GratisNet, a network of health libraries originally established in 1982 which used a system written in Pick and hosted by the Coop Bookshop.  That relationship finished and in 2000 GratisNet approached Prosentient Systems and asked it to redevelop the application and provide a hosted service. 

The success of GratisNet soon generated requests by other consortia to create new networks. Membership  of these networks often share a library specialisation in common , such as health, legal or disaster management.

Many of these also utilise Prosentient's Inter-docs document delivery system in conjunction with Inter-loans and are additionally provided with a website and, if required, a mailing list for communication between members.

Each network has its own constituted management structure and rules.  Their websites contain further details, including the process to be followed for libraries that may wish to join their network.

gratis

Gratis was formed on December 6, 1982, with 14 founding members. The immediate impetus to the formation of the group was the trebling of the cost of I.L.L. vouchers from $1 to $3. The founding members considered that the consolidation of scattered "knock-for-knock" agreements into an organised I.L.L. system was preferable to a costly national system. At the same time, it was realised that much useful material was held in hospital and small medical collections and was not included in national lists, and that this could be of great benefit in developing an alternative system.  By December of 1983, the one-year old network had produced its first national union list and more than doubled in size.

glass

The GLASS Database, established in mid 2000, is a Web-based resource sharing initiative between the special libraries of GLINN (Government Libraries Information Network) and LOTSS (Libraries of The Social Sciences).  GLASS (Government Libraries and Social Sciences) provides its members with a platform that enables easy access to a shared database of holdings and administration of interlibrary loans.  Membership of the GLASS Network is open to all GLINN  and LOTSS libraries for an annual fee of  $120 including GST (2003). 

alies

The ALIESnet site provides an Interlibrary Loan request system for libraries participating in the Australasian Libraries in the Emergency Sector. Access to the intranet is by subscription only. Review the Membership link for further details. 

tranzinfo

In May 2007, the Tranzinfo network began using an automated interlibrary loan system, with the software and maintenance provided through Prosentient Systems. This system replaces the Union List of member periodical collections and allows for both a dynamic database of holdings and automation of article interlilbrary loan requests.

qshare

QShare is a network of Queensland government special libraries.  Membership is open to Queensland Government libraries and libraries of Government owned corporations.

lilli

LILLI is the Legal Inter-library Loans Interchange.  The LILLI Network provides an Inter-library Loan request system for participating libraries. Access to the intranet is by subscription only. Queries regarding LILLI should be directed to catherine_bollen@hdy.com.au.

alla

The ALLA (Queensland Division) is a group of information professionals working in a legal environment in both the public and private sectors. We have more than 100 members and a committee which consists of 12 members  elected at the AGM held in September each year. We liaise with the national ALLG and interstate Divisions on matters of mutual concern.