Loading...
Background
These criteria have been developed to facilitate meeting the goal of "the
greatest access by the greatest number of users" as stated in the Minnesota
Library Information Network (MnLINK) Library Participation Options and
Limitations, February 25, 1998 and approved by the LPTF February 25, 1998.
This goal is understood to mean access to the widest range of resources and
to the greatest number of users.
No new MnLINK Gateway Server Sites will be added until the entire Gateway
system is operational with the Fretwell-Downing VDX and ZPORTAL software in
staff and public use respectively.
Institutions interested in becoming MnLINK Gateway sites and willing to accept
the terms of the MnLINK Gateway Server Site contract may apply during a formal
call for new MnLINK server site applications. Preference will be given to
potential sites that signed documents expressing their interest in MnLINK
Gateway participation to the Minnesota Higher Education Services Office during
the initial Gateway implementation round.
MnLINK will consider the relative value of potential new collections to expand
statewide access to resources through the Gateway. Special consideration will
be given to the successor organizations of original MnLINK Gateway Server Sites.
MnLINK prefers that single library sites work through existing MnLINK Gateway
Server Sites for system efficiency.
Category 1
Definition: Institutions using automated library systems meeting
MnLINK technical requirements and meet the definition of a Gateway Server
Site as outlined in: Checklist of Requirements for Participants in MnLINK.
(Note: Automated systems for Category 1 server sites must serve multiple
institutions.)
MnLINK through the Higher Education Services Office may seek additional
funding to support the participation of these libraries. They will also be
designated as "Gateway Server Sites."
Category 2
Definition: Single site libraries that wish to be a member of the
MnLINK Gateway and are not already a member of a designated Gateway Server
Site. These libraries will be designated as "Gateway Single Sites."
To be eligible for consideration as a Single Site the library must:
-
with the exception of serving multiple institutions, meet all requirements
identified in Category 1;
-
provide access to collections of significance to the local area, region
and/or the State as a whole;
- not expect receipt of funding from MnLINK;
-
be willing to pay a fee if necessary to cover the cost of MnLINK servicing
their participation;
-
demonstrate, in a competitive review process and through their applications,
how their participation would help MnLINK provide access to the widest range
of resources and to the greatest number of users, provided that any other
Gateway Server Site would also have the opportunity to comment on whether
or not such designation would be detrimental.
Applications for Single Sites will be ranked based upon weighting given to
elements such as collection resources, services extended to a broad community
of users, willingness to loan a wide variety of materials and formats, and
others developed by a designated application review workgroup appointed by
the MnLINK Gateway Operations Committee.
It should be noted that there may be both technological and financial limits
to the number of new sites manageable as MnLINK Gateway Server Sites. MnLINK
reserves the right to limit this number as needed to ensure effective access
for users.
Checklist of Requirements for Participants in MnLINK
Resource Sharing for MnLINK Library Participants
A. Be a member of the MINITEX Library Information
Network, a Minnesota Regional Public Library System, or a Multi-county/Multitype
Library System;
B. Seek opportunities to participate in cooperative
collection management processes and joint purchasing of electronic and other resources;
Technical, Policy and Support Requirements
Based on Exhibit A from 2004-2007 MHESO-MnLINK Gateway Server Site Agreements.
A. Z39.50 Server Software
-
Operate Z39.50 server software compatible with the version of Fretwell-Downing
VDX and ZPORTAL or other approved MnLINK Gateway software running on the MnLINK
Gateway.
- Work toward the goal of operating Z39.50 version 3 software.
B. Z39.50 Attribute Sets
-
As far as possible, fulfill the requirements for minimum support of the Z39.50
use, structure, truncation and relation attributes recommended in the
MINITEX/LDS "Report of the Z39.50 Attributes Working Group."
-
Work toward the goal of fulfilling all minimum requirements and as many of the
desirable attributes of the standard as is feasible.
C. Authentication Software: Operate system software
capable of providing patron data to Fretwell-Downing VDX and ZPORTAL or other
approved MnLINK Gateway software for patron authentication. Two alternatives include:
-
Operate system software compliant with the 3M Standard Interchange Protocol
version 2 for patron data, or
-
Operate authentication server software custom developed by Organization's
systems vendor to inter-operate with the Fretwell-Downing VDX and ZPORTAL
or other approved MnLINK Gateway software.
D. Indexing Bibliographic Records
-
As far as possible, index bibliographic records according to the MINITEX/LDS
Indexing Standards and Guidelines for Bibliographic Records.
-
Work toward fully adhering to the MINITEX/LDS Indexing Standards and
Guidelines for Bibliographic Records. (Section F of Standards and Guidelines
for Automated Library Systems).
E. Provide communication line bandwidth, server
capacity and concurrent session licensing to allow MnLINK Gateway Users access
through the Organization's server.
F. Designate two people to act as contacts with
the MnLINK operations staff for technical and functional operations, training,
maintenance and support activities.
G. Provide training and support on Fretwell-Downing
VDX and ZPORTAL or other approved MnLINK Gateway software for the libraries
affiliated with the Gateway Site. These libraries must have PC workstations of
sufficient capacity to utilize an accepted Web browser and Internet access.
H. Provide configuration information as needed to
the MnLINK operations staff.
I. Report to the MnLINK operations staff problems,
changes, Organization closures and other factors that might affect access to the server.
J. Participate in the MnLINK Gateway Operations
Committee and similar groups which may be established.