Shared Automation
Shared library automation is a model of a library partnership where a number of libraries share a common integrated library system, providing a true union catalog that represents their combined collections. Since each of the library’s records reside in the same database, providing the capability to search across all the library's collections is easily accomplished. The shared system approach for establishing a union catalog should generally offer higher reliability and faster performance.
The shared system requires a broad strategic commitment among the participating institutions for cooperative resource sharing. Sharing a library automation system forces the libraries involved to cooperate in almost every aspect of their operation. Large pay-offs, however, can be expected in the overall efficiency in library operations for library staff and in the expanded resources available to library users.
Our local example of shared library automation can be found in Merlin. Merlin is a shared, integrated library automation system created for the purpose of facilitating resource sharing among participants and increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of library services. Merlin is a service program of Northern Waters Library Service.
Merlin members include the following libraries from the NWLS service area: Vaughn Public Library (Ashland); Bayfield Carnegie Library; Boulder Junction Public Library; Forest Lodge Library (Cable); Drummond Public Library; Olson Memorial Library (Eagle River); Grantsburg Public Library; Hayward Carnegie Library; Hurley Public Library; Evelyn Goldberg Briggs Memorial Library (Iron River); Lac Courte Oreilles College Community Library; Land O’ Lakes Public Library; Madeline Island Public Library; Koller Memorial Library (Manitowish Waters); Legion Memorial Library (Mellen); Mercer Public Library; Eleanor Ellis Public Library (Phelps); Irma Stein Memorial Library (Presque Isle); Plum Lake Public Library (Sayner); Red Cliff Library; Shell Lake Public Library; Spooner Memorial Library; Superior Public Library (and Solon Springs Branch); Washburn Public Library; Burnett Community Library (Webster); Tice Public Library (Winter); Winchester Public Library.
Type of materials available: Books, audiobooks on cassette and CD, music cassettes and CDs, DVDs, videocassettes, magazines and newspapers, kits, puppets, puzzles, games, CD-ROMs, electronic books and downloadable audiobooks.
Governance: Merlin is governed by a Consortium of members using the software in agreement. Merlin is organized and operated in accordance with the Merlin Consortium By-Laws.
Web Page: http://merlin.nwls.lib.wi.us