Curious to know how other libraries are doing ILL in Polaris? We are not currently using the ILL module. We use ILLiad and put dummy records in Polaris for ILL items our customers borrow and checkout all the ILL items borrowed by other libraries on an ILL patron card. This workflow comes from Symphony where everything is managed by checking things out. Is there a standard way Polaris libraries do ILL? Out staff really want a more integrated system. Any info or links much appreciated.
We also use dummy records the way you’re describing. I think there is interest on our end in a more integrated solution but last time it was discussed it wasn’t possible in Polaris the way we wanted to do it.
Our patrons can toggle from searching our catalog to searching OCLC WorldCat. For them, the experience is seamless as the OCLC search looks the same as if they were still searching our catalog. So from the patron’s perspective, placing an ILL request essentially looks the same as requesting an in-house item. Each ILL request then joins the Request Manager’s inactive queue. Staff can then export it (activate it) to OCLC WorldShare. The request is also automatically placed on the patron’s account. Works very well. In fact, it’s probably my favorite Polaris feature.
Jason, if I remember correctly, our library switched quite a few years ago from having patrons input their requests via WorldCat to having them input requests via a JotForm because OCLC suddenly starting charging quite a bit for that service. Is that still the case?
With the embedded WorldCat link, patrons don’t have to input their requests. It’s essentially the same experience as placing a request for an item we own. The only aspect that changes is the collection. Just by choosing the OCLC WorldCat option, they can search/request an ILL. Throughout, the “look” of our PAC stays the same for the patron.
If not utilizing this embedded ILL function would reduce our OCLC costs, I’m not sure. Regardless, our current OCLC costs are–in the realm of library costs–relatively low.
