In 1995, when OPLIN was introduced, it provided Ohio’s public libraries with access to the Internet and a robust suite of bibliographic databases. OPLIN also provided the telecommunications infrastructure that connected all the main libraries. The library community quickly realized that there was an opportunity to use the telecommunication connectivity for libraries to view each others’ on-line catalogs. Once libraries could see each others’ catalogues, the desire to borrow materials would quickly follow.

The State Library, OLC, and OPLIN were interested in working together to make statewide resource sharing a reality. Based on the successful OPLIN planning model, a Statewide Resource Sharing Committee was created. The Committee was broadly representative of the public library community. OhioLINK and INFOHIO were also invited to participate in the process. After much effort, a statewide resource sharing system named MORE was created allowing many of the public and school libraries to share resources. A statewide delivery network was also created to move library resources from one library to another in support of resource sharing. Below are several documents related to these early statewide resource sharing efforts.

 

SWRS Newsletter - February 2000

SWRS Newsletter - April 2000

RFP evaluation team - Vendor recommendation 2000

SWRS Newsletter - July 2000

SWRS Newsletter - October 2000

SWRS Technology Task Force Report - June/July 2001

Resource Sharing in Ohio - Presentation by Carol Roddy
OPLIN Executive Director (former) May 16, 2001