Status Line

• Resource Sharing
• October 2006
• Issue: 206

LOCLC Sponsors Global Resource Sharing Group

OCLC has formed the Global Sharing GAC to foster international resource sharing initiatives. There are over 6,700 libraries in 28 countries using the vast resources of the OCLC WorldCat database and the largest online ILL system. Identifying libraries that are willing to lend internationally has been a difficult process. The Global Sharing GAC will make this identification process easier and will formalize rules for OCLC ILL borrowing beyond state and national boundaries.

The primary requirements in joining the Global Sharing GAC are:

• IFM is the only payment method accepted.
• Airmail or courier is used for returnable material.
• Fax, Ariel or Odyssey is used for non-returnable material.
• Participants agree to lend to all other participants within the group.

There is no cost to join this group.

Participants should update their ILL Policies in the ILL Policies Directory to provide their policies for lending internationally and to include their Ariel and Odyssey addresses and Fax number.

Libraries that are members of this group can issue a GS#P at the bibliographic record to view all the holdings of the libraries within this GAC. They may also search the electronic Participating Institutions lists to identify other members of this group for inclusion into their Custom Holdings paths.

OCLC has developed a Web based agreement form that any library wishing to participate in this GAC must complete, and submit electronically to OCLC. To retrieve this form, go to: http://www.oclc.org/oclc/forms/gac.htm .

Resource Sharing Contact Information

Please contact Jon Penn, Resource Sharing Librarian at Nylink, with questions. Jon is available via email (pennj@nylink.org) or phone (800-342-3353 / 518-443-5444).