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Participation Requirements
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MnLINK Gateway Participation Requirements
The items in this document have been approved by the Library Planning Task Force
(LPTF) on June 17, 1997. They are in effect and will remain in effect unless
modified by the LPTF. The LPTF recognizes that adjustments may be required
as MnLINK develops.
Local Responsibilities for MnLINK Library Participants
In order to protect the value of MnLINK system and foster the equitable sharing
of resources throughout the Network, each library will:
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Develop a plan for the effective utilization of technology in library and
information services including MnLINK system;
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Implement and fund a formal policy providing for upgrade of local equipment
and technological infrastructure on an on-going basis;
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Provide its fair share of resources needed to operate the network including
annual membership fees, participation in MnLINK activities and payments
toward a central fund for the upgrade and/or replacement of MnLINK system
hardware and software;
-
Designate staff person(s) to be the official contact(s) for MnLINK related
activities. Provide these persons with the opportunity and resources to
obtain training to gain and maintain the skills necessary for effective system use;
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Ensure that all staff are provided with the training necessary to use the
network effectively;
-
Provide adequate financial support to meet current and ongoing collection
and operational needs;
-
Have its governing authority sign an agreement with the MnLINK governing
board certifying it meets and will continue to meet the requirements for
participation.
Resource Sharing for MnLINK Library Participants
In order to participate, each library will:
-
Share resources by following protocols, policies and procedures as
established by the MnLINK Governing Board;
-
Participate in MnLINK-approved delivery services to move needed materials
among participating libraries effectively;
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Ensure that appropriate staff attendance occurs at training sessions relating
to effective and efficient resource sharing among libraries;
-
Be a member of Minitex, a Minnesota Regional
Public Library System, or a Multi-county/Multitype Library System;
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Participate in MnLINK equitable interlibrary loan load leveling protocols to
ensure fair use of resources among participating libraries;
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Seek opportunities to participate in cooperative collection management
processes and joint purchasing of electronic and other resources;
-
Update and maintain MnLINK information such as serials holdings and current
cataloging.
Technical Responsibilities for MnLINK Library Participants
In order to participate, each library will:
-
Catalog using the USMARC record format with a minimum of the mandatory data
elements identified in Standards and Guidelines for Automated Library Systems
("Section C. Bibliographic Records Standards and Guidelines" for Book Format
and Serials Format), Minitex;
- Install and operate system software which is Z39.50 version 3 compliant;
- Install and operate system software to provide a Web/Z39.50 interface;
-
Index bibliographic records according to Minitex/LDS Indexing Standards and
Guidelines for Bibliographic Records;
-
Follow the Standards and Guidelines for Automated Library Systems ("Section
B. Bar Code Standards and Guidelines"), Minitex;
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Provide identification of individuals and system security which meets standards
adopted by the MnLINK governing board;
- Operate using other standards adopted by the MnLINK governing board;
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Meet minimum local area network infrastructure for each level of functionality
as defined by the MnLINK governing board; and
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Provide computers which are capable of running the latest or the immediately
preceding versions of Windows or Web browser technology.
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