Exciting News for SHARE Members! Illinois Heartland Library System has just launched three new dashboards to empower SHARE member libraries with valuable insights.

Take a look at what's happening in our latest SHARE Member Notes!

Would you be interested in setting direction, policy, and procedures for the operation of SHARE, on behalf of libraries like yours? If so, SHARE is looking for volunteers for the SHARE Executive Council! We have an immediate opening for a small library representative, as well as openings for a medium library representative, school library representative, and academic library representative, beginning in July.

Perfect recommendations for patrons on hold for Onyx Storm!

We’re thrilled to announce a major improvement that will save you time and simplify reporting!

Starting now, Delivery Closure Dates and SHARE Member Closure Dates can both be reported on a
single form. This update means less hassle and more efficiency when managing closures across the
board.

In fiscal year 2024, SHARE worked hard to ensure every member library received the maximum benefit from their membership. This was accomplished by saving members the cost of expensive software subscriptions, increasing item circulation, and providing first-class support and training.

The SHARE Aspen catalog now has an EBSCO databases page with geolocating links and descriptions of all the databases provided by the Illinois State Library. This page was created using the Web Resources feature of the Aspen Web Builder.

System Messages are a helpful tool for all Aspen library admin accounts! Visit the Aspen Discovery Help Center → Customize → System Messages to learn how to create system messages and watch a video tutorial with more in-depth information.

System Messages allow you to create messages that communicate information to library patrons such as closings, internet outages, system updates, policy changes, job opportunities, and more on the Aspen catalog. These can be displayed at the top of the screen and applied to the entire catalog or to specific account pages when patrons are logged in.

Are you ready to get the Aspen Discovery implementation process rolling?

SHARE staff and ByWater Solutions have worked together to create a plan of action, outlined below.

Cohort Model & Timeline

Due to the large number of libraries that have chosen to add Aspen Discovery, we’ll use a ‘cohort model’ for the implementation. Each cohort will consist of 20 – 30 libraries. Our first cohort will begin training in November 2023 through December 2024. Wondering which cohort your library is in?

Cohort 4A: Public Libraries and Academic Libraries A-L - Implementation begins in May, Go Live in August

Cohort 4B: Public Libraries and Academic Libraries M-Z - Implementation begins in July, Go Live in September

Cohort 4C: School Libraries and Special Libraries A-L - Implementation begins in August, Go Live in October

Cohort 4D: School Libraries and Special Libraries M-Z - Implementation begins in September, Go Live in November

Your library will receive a welcome email and continuing project plan information from Lesley Zavediuk.