Talis Source Blog

Last month I explained how to limit the number of ILL requests by changing the status of the library to a ‘lender of last resort’. Instructions on how to change the status can be found here. As a result a stop sign is displayed next to the institution name.

A few people have recently asked what the symbol actually means, I’ll explain.

The stop sign symbol warns the user that there is an issue or condition with that particular institution that may effect the fulfilment of an ILL request. For example, the library may wish to be a ‘lender of last resort’, certain collections may not be available or the library is closed etc.

Therefore, rather than disregarding all institutions that have the stop sign next to them in the 'Record Display’ screen [S10], check their ‘Institution Contact Details’. To do this, simply select the name from the list of locations from the bottom of the ‘Record Display' screen. The reason the stop sign appears next to the institution is then described at the bottom of the screen under ‘Reason’. For example:

Therefore, in this example one could send a request to this institution if there is no other location that can fulfil the request.

Posted by Grant White at 06:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Another library has today confirmed that they will be returning to Talis Source rather than using an alternative ILL tool. It's always a joy to welcome users ;-).

But that’s not the only thing I want to write about today. Last week I wrote about the number of HE libraries using Talis Source. Sarah Washford, the author of Info Junkie then posted a comment on the blog asking how many FE libraries are contributing to Talis Source, there are nearly 20.

The question is easily answered. Although for me, provides yet another illustration of why the business model behind Talis Source really works. It enables ALL libraries to participate. Therefore, libraries with minimal resources that perhaps don’t currently have a Web presence or limited resources can make their collections more accessible, for free!

Posted by Grant White at 06:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

It‘s great to see that more and more users are requesting access to Talis Source.

Last year there were barely any Higher Education libraries which had a login to UnityWeb. Now there are over 45 HE libraries in Talis Source, many of which have logins for several departments, including their medical library.

We believe that an interlending or a resource discovery system is greatly enhanced if all libraries can fully participate. Which is the reason Talis Source is FREE to contribute, FREE to search and isn’t restricted to any region – therefore removing the barriers that previously restricted full participation.

The growth of participation of HE libraries is testament to this belief.

Posted by Grant White at 09:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

Last year, Talis promised that the price for free resource discovery within Talis Source would remain free.

I’m pleased to confirm that it will remain FREE.

As with last year, all we ask is that you make at least one holdings contribution within the year; although, many libraries contribute monthly. Please note that there is also no charge for contributing.

The price for the Interlending functionality within Talis Source will remain at £500 + VAT.

If you would like to change your subscription to Talis Source, would like to contribute your holdings or have any other questions please email source@talis.com or contact Grant White on 0870 400 5425.

Technorati Tags: Talis, Talis Source, Talis Platform, Library,

Posted by Grant White at 11:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Talis are pleased to announce that Talis LMS users will soon be able to contribute to OCLC PICA’s LinkUK. The 'LinkUKContribution.pl' produces holdings information either as full dump or only containing additions and deletions in a NOTIFY format which can then be forwarded by the user to OCLC PICA. Tests have been carried out this week and upon confirmation from OCLC PICA that the file has processed correctly, the script will be made freely available from the TDN.

Posted by Grant White at 10:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)