Maryland Libraries Enhance Interlibrary Loan Network with Auto-Graphics’ SHAREit

The Maryland State Library Resource Center (SLRC) has selected SHAREit, a resource sharing system developed by Auto-Graphics (a Soutron Global company), to power Marina, the state’s statewide Interlibrary Loan (ILL) network. This initiative, funded by the State of Maryland and administered by the Maryland State Library Agency (MSLA), aims to strengthen and equitably distribute library services across the state. [Source: Palm Beach Daily News]

A Renewed Partnership

This isn’t the first time Auto-Graphics has supported Maryland’s ILL efforts. According to Albert Flores, Account Executive at Auto-Graphics, the company’s solutions were instrumental in innovating statewide ILL transactions over 30 years ago. “We are honored that SLRC has once again chosen Auto-Graphics to power interlibrary loan services,” Flores stated. [Source: Palm Beach Daily News]

What Marina Users Can Expect with SHAREit

The implementation of SHAREit promises several key benefits for Maryland library patrons and institutions:

• Cost Control and Automation: Streamlining ILL processes to reduce expenses and manual effort.
• Unified Search: A single search interface across member library catalogs, simplifying the discovery and request process for patrons.
• Scalable Efficiency: A system designed to handle statewide operations effectively and affordably.
• Universal Workflow Support: Flexible configuration options to accommodate the diverse operational needs of Maryland’s public libraries.

Expanding Access Through Inter-System Sharing

SHAREit provides access to the Inter-System Sharing Initiative (ISSI), allowing Maryland public libraries to connect with a network of approximately 900 participating libraries nationwide, expanding access to physical resources. [Source: Palm Beach Daily News]

Key Personnel

Paula Cristina da Fraga Maciel, Operations Manager for the Collections & Access Services Division of SLRC, emphasized the importance of SHAREit’s adaptability. “Every library we support works differently, and it is important that SHAREit sustain and improve each library’s unique workflow.” [Source: Palm Beach Daily News]

Brad Frasher, CEO of Soutron Global, highlighted the company’s commitment to providing a flexible and standards-based ILL platform. [Source: Palm Beach Daily News]

About the Organizations

Maryland State Library Resource Center (SLRC): Serves as the State Library for Maryland, providing resources and services to strengthen the state’s public library network. [Source: Palm Beach Daily News]

Auto-Graphics: A Soutron Global company, Auto-Graphics has been providing library software solutions for nearly seven decades. SHAREit is used in 17 U.S. States and the Canadian province of British Columbia. [Source: ContactOut] [Source: Palm Beach Daily News]

Soutron Global: A leading provider of SaaS information management, resource sharing, and digital preservation solutions for libraries, museums, and archives. [Source: Palm Beach Daily News]