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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:

  • Develop a plan for the effective utilization of technology in library and information services including MnLINK system;
  • Implement and fund a formal policy providing for upgrade of local equipment and technological infrastructure on an on-going basis;
  • 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;
  • 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;
  • Ensure that appropriate staff attendance occurs at training sessions relating to effective and efficient resource sharing among libraries;
  • Be a member of the MINITEX Library Information Network, a Minnesota Regional Public Library System, or a Multi-county/Multitype Library System;
  • Participate in MnLINK equitable interlibrary loan load leveling protocols to ensure fair use of resources among participating libraries;
  • 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 Library Information Network;
  • 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 Library Information Network;
  • 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;
  • Meet minimum local area network infrastructure for each level of functionality as defined by the MnLINK governing board; and
  • Provide computers which are capable of running the latest or the immediately preceding versions of Windows or Web browser technology.

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MnLINK VDX Blog

We have compiled all of the previous VDX usage tips into a searchable MnLINK VDX Blog, now available for library staff processing MnLINK Gateway requests.

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