An interesting move by The Library of Michigan and Michigan State University Libraries has them creating a new shared OPAC. The partnership actually extends beyond the Library of Michigan and MSU and will be carried out in phases. First, the Library of Michigan has contracted with Innovative Interfaces Inc. to oversee the data migration from the Library of Michigan server to MSU’s server. The migration is expected to begin this month and be completed in August, just in time for the MSU’s fall semester.
To maintain the merged collection, the Library of Michigan has contracted with MSU for actual hosting of the merged catalog and administration and continued upgrades of the Innovative Millennium software, a higher-end product than the old Innovative software the library has used for years.
Here’s The News Release
Library of Michigan and Michigan State’s Library
The Library of Michigan is constantly trying to enhance the materials available to its patrons. It has been working on getting all public libraries to merge their collections. By doing this with Michigan State University collections, are the other universities far behind? Will this filter down to the secondary level? What a concept! What I have been able to offer my students at the secondary level with the databases the Library of Michigan has offered through MeL is phenomenal especially since I have been without a budget for over 3 years. I have been able to keep up with the information demands of my students thanks to the services offered through the Library of Michigan. It is a service that is offered to any citizen of the state of Michigan. A Michigan driver’s license is the key to access.