Member libraries have requested an easy way to determine the status of other members, if they are loaning or if they are closed, as they are reported to SHARE. You can find this information for SHARE members on the new COVID-19 Member Library Status page.
In the overnight hours of Saturday, October 24, we are scheduled to upgrade to the latest version of Polaris and Leap, version 6.6. For more information about features and upgrades, please read more!
The SHARE Executive Council is reviewing the governance structure. One challenge the group faces is the structure of representation for public libraries as SHARE governance is currently written. Right now, public library representation includes:
- Small Public Library Representative (Population less than 10,000)
- Medium Public Library Representative (Population 10,001-50,000)
- Large Public Library Representative (Population 50,001 or more)
Only one library fits the description of a large public library. That limits the volunteers that are able to serve on the SHARE Executive Council, due to both term limits and due to leadership in other committees.
Would you support changing the definition, as follows:
- Small Public Library Representative (Population less than 10,000)
- Medium Public Library Representative (Population 10,001-35,000)
- Large Public Library Representative (Population 35,001 or more)
Attached you will find a population list for our libraries, based on the most recent IPLAR. Please submit your thoughts for member comment.
On behalf of the SHARE Bibliographic and Cataloging Standards Committee, a short survey is being conducted to gather input on whether the General Material Designation (GMD) should continue to be used in Polaris bibliographic records. READ MORE
Here is a quick tutorial on how to access your library's online catalog, search for items, and log in to your account in order to renew or request items.
We are starting to get reports of libraries either temporarily closing due to COVID-19 exposure, schools going to remote education only, and regions warning about rising case levels.
Should one or more Restore Illinois regions regress to Phase 3, SHARE will also continue to operate without any SHARE-wide changes. However, if you decide at any point that you would like to suspend interlibrary loan holds due to either a change in your region’s phase or a closure due to an exposure or illness, please email SHARE at share@illinoisheartland.org. If needed, SHARE can also bulk change due dates or enter closing dates to prevent overdues from accruing. We are happy to help in any way possible. In addition, if you have any changes to delivery status, please contact your hub manager:
Linda Kates, Champaign Hub Manager
SHARE will reactivate interlibrary loan (ILL) requests July 1! Contact SHARE if you would like to be placed on the list that you are ready to resume or if you need changes to your hold or overdue notifications.
For libraries that choose to resume ILL service, patrons may begin to place non-local holds in the PAC. There may still be items that are inaccessible at libraries that are not yet ready to resume, and a banner will remain on the PAC that states: Due to widespread library closures, you may not be able to place holds on items from other libraries at this time.
If you are not ready, or are not sure when you will be ready, that is fine. You can also contact us if you would like to resume at a later date. We are here to help when you are.