The Maine Info Net Statewide Catalog

The Maine Info Net Statewide Catalog combines and links library collections. When the system is fully functional, a single search will encompass 10,000,000 items in more than 300 libraries. A built-in requesting and transaction management system will allow patrons of libraries using a qualifying online system to make online interlibrary loan requests. Most libraries will be able to make requests on behalf of their users, as well.

Stage 1 of implementation begins in January, 2001 with linkage of the URSUS, Bates, Bowdoin and Colby online systems. The libraries included in URSUS, as well as the systems and libraries due to join in coming months are listed below. Most smaller libraries will not be able to request using the system until the Holdings Database is online in late Spring.

Participating Systems and Libraries

Linked System

Libraries Served By Linked Systems

Operational

URSUS
http://ursus.maine.edu

University of Maine	University of Maine at Machias
University of Southern Maine	University of Maine at Fort Kent
Maine School of Law Library	UNET
University of Maine at Farmington	Bangor Public Library
University of Maine at Augusta	Maine State Library
University of Maine at Presque Isle	Maine Law and Legislative Reference Library

January 22, 2001

Bates College

George and Helen Ladd Library
http://www.bates.edu/Library/

January 4, 2001

Bowdoin College

Bowdoin College Library
http://library.bowdoin.edu/

January 4, 2001

Colby

Colby College Libraries
http://www.colby.edu/library/

January 4, 2001

Portland Public Library

http://www.portlandlibrary.com/

Spring, 2001

University of New England,
Biddeford and Portland

http://www.une.edu/admin/lir/main.html

Spring, 2001

Maine Maritime Academy, Castine

Nutting Library
http://bell.mma.edu/~wknicker/library2.html

Spring, 2001

Maine College of Art, Portland

Baxter Library
http://www.meca.edu/lib.html

Spring, 2001

Minerva
http://ursus2.ursus.maine.edu

Bailey Public Library, Winthrop
Belfast Free Library
Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences / Maine Dept of Marine Resources, Boothbay Harbor
Central Maine Technical College, Auburn
Curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick
Eastern Maine Medical Center, Bangor
Eastern Maine Technical College, Bangor
Edythe Dyer Community Library, Hampden
Falmouth Memorial Library
Husson College, Bangor
Kennebec Valley Technical College, Fairfield
Lewiston Public Library
McArthur Library, Biddeford
Mercy Hospital Health Sciences Library, Portland
Northern Maine Technical College, Presque Isle
Norway Memorial Library
Patten Free Library, Bath
Rockport Public Library
Rumford Public Library
St. Joseph's College Library
Skidompha Public Library, Damariscotta
Southern Maine Technical College, South Portland
South Portland Public Library
Thomas College Library, Waterville
Thomas Free Library, Cape Elizabeth
Washington County Technical College, Calais/Eastport
York County Technical College, Wells

Spring, 2001

Maine Info Net Holdings Database
http://www.state.me.us/msl/infonet.htm

About 200 mostly smaller libraries of all types.

Spring, 2001

How to Search Maine Info Net

Connect through the library catalog of any participating system. If you cannot find what you seek there, a single keystroke moves your search up to the Maine Info Net Statewide Catalog.

Or, connect directly to Maine Info Net. You can search items by author, title, keyword, subject heading and many other access points. The database is constantly and automatically updated to show new additions to the linked collections, and the current circulation status of each item. Further information can be found on the Search Tips page

Most library users will find that starting one's local catalog will result in most quickly identifying and gaining access to the information one seeks.
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Maine Info Net Borrowing

Rapid, self-service borrowing is available to authorized users of any of the participating libraries -- initially just URSUS libraries, Bates, Bowdoin and Colby in January. One exception: anyone associated with a Maine Info Net Holdings Database library will have to rely on library staff for placement of requests.

The system allows you to borrow most items that already circulate at local libraries. When you find what you want, just choose the "Request Item" option and follow the instructions on the screen. Your request will be processed within a few days and the item will be delivered to your home library. The general policies which apply to materials delivered through Maine Info Net include:

28 day loan period
Maximum 1 renewal
Maximum 40 requests/check-outs per person
Lost book charges: $75 lost book fee, plus $25 processing charge
Overdue fines: determined by policy of your home library
If all copies are checked-out, the system will place a hold.
Items will not be recalled prior to due date
Local libraries may choose to charge their patrons for shipping costs associated with loans. These costs will vary from library to library.

More Information

For additional information contact your local library. Additional information about the Maine Info Statewide Catalog is available from:

Maine Info Net Project
Maine State Library
POB 2145
Bangor, ME 04402
207-581-1656
fax: 207-581-1653
email: beiser@saturn.caps.maine.edu

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