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Dynix Vision - Consortium Support

Universal Resource Sharing Application (URSA) - Choices for users. Solutions for libraries.

URSA is a powerful resource sharing solution for consortia and statewide library systems to extend circulation options for their users. URSA supports true multi-vendor environments using standard library protocols. The solution is built on the newly formed NISO Circulation Interchange Protocol (NCIP) along with support for ISO ILL and a unique NCIP Gateway for older ILS that do not support the new standard.

URSA goes beyond traditional ILL solutions to fully enable convenient self-service for users. Users can search all catalogs in the system, and place requests for remote materials from a single web display without staff mediation. They get immediate feedback when requests are placed, cancelled or renewed. URSA satisfies users with powerful self-service and helps libraries solve staffing challenges by dramatically reducing the amount of staff involvement in most ILL transactions.

URSA supports a true virtual catalog for the entire consortium with full record ownership. URSA automates interlibrary loan management on a variety of vendors' systems through the use of links to local circulation systems, saving staff time and avoiding overlapping or duplicate tasks. Support for manual management of requests is also provided.

URSA can be profiled to send requests automatically to a list of preferred lenders or to load balance requesting within a consortium. These logical search groups can be based on proximity, library type, or other useful criteria. Requests that cannot be filled within the first tier of lenders drop to subsequent tiers and may be sent via ISO ILL to other partners if necessary.

URSA is provided as a Dynix-hosted ASP solution. This eliminates the need for any hardware or software to be managed by the library, consortium or statewide library system. URSA is fully secure and private. Only your member libraries have access to the information for your entity.

Read more about URSA from Dynix