CPS Systems has announced the addition of several new options for its Universal Resource Sharing Application (URSA). URSA, introduced in mid-1997, is a resource sharing system that supports fully automated, patron initiated sharing among libraries with different automated library systems.
The major enhancement, known as the Automated Lender Selection Option, uses the circulation information in the local holdings record to determine if the item is on the shelf and has "circulating status." Holdings with positive availability status will be chosen first, thereby improving the odds that a request for an ILL can be filled by the first selected lender. At one time, OCLC reported that, on average, it takes 1.6 requests to obtain a positive response to an ILL request. Other studies suggest that the odds of receiving a positive response are no better than 60:40.
The first URSA system has now been in operation in the North Bay Library Cooperative of California for approximately 18 months. The major reported benefit has been a dramatic reduction in staff time as patrons place their own interlibrary loans, rather than making requests at the reference desk.
CPS Systems is a subsidiary of CPS Systems of Australia.
[Contact; CI'S Systems, Inc., 6053 Hudson Road, Suite 180, Woodbury, MN 55125; telephone 651-731-8993; Web: www.cps-us.com]
