Several library departments are being consolidated to streamline operations and expand services.

The circulation and reserve departments now are merged with the former interlibrary loan department, and the resulting Access Services is implementing new software to simplify interlibrary loan procedures, said Stephen H. Cunetto, system administrator for Mitchell Memorial Library.

"This merger will greatly enhance the interlibrary loan service by allowing patrons to drop off and pick up materials during the library's operating hours. It also will allow us to process interlibrary loan materials six days a week," he noted.

A new software, Illiad, is automating interlibrary loan processing, he added. "Because it uses a Web-based interface, patrons will find it much easier to place and track orders and to view their order history online," he said. An additional advantage is that personal information required to place an interlibrary order will be entered only once, at the time of the first request.

A completely paperless system, the new process also includes e-mail notification after a patron places an interlibrary loan order and electronic notification when materials are received. All information about requests is stored in a searchable database.

"One benefit of the database is that we will be able to gather statistical information about the performance of libraries lending materials to Mississippi State," Cunetto said. "The information will help us make better decisions about choosing a particular lender to supply a requested item."

New accounts have been started for all patrons ordering materials since July 1, he said. Patrons may continue to use traditional methods of ordering materials as the new system becomes fully operational.

More detailed information about Illiad and Access Services can be found at http://library.msstate.edu/illiad/FAQ.html and at http://library.msstate.edu/circ/index.asp.