Merrimack Valley Library Consortium:
Dealing with Differences

In 2000, the MVLC in Andover, MA involved all 37 member libraries in its search for a new information management system. "One of the key factors we were looking for in an information system was the ability to deal with all our libraries and their differences," says Eric Graham, MVLC's assistant director for technology services. "We needed a system that would allow our libraries to preserve unique circulation parameters but maintain a shared database. We knew we could do that with Horizon."

The MVLC chose Horizon because of its high level of flexibility. "We have done more with Horizon in areas of customization than we ever dreamed of doing. Other systems we considered," Graham concludes, "would not have allowed this level of customization because they are not nearly as flexible."

MVLC: Using Statistics to Improve Collections

The MVLC uses Horizon reporting tools to generate reports of book lists and frequently requested materials. By customizing the Horizon reporting process, the MVLC includes in its reports statistics that reveal specifically what materials are circulating and for how long items are out.

This reporting process "helps our librarians determine how their collections are doing," says Eric Graham, assistant director for technology services. Within minutes, Graham adds, MVLC's librarians generate reports that help them "manage and develop their collections to meet their users' information needs."

Utah Academic Library Consortium: Sharing Resources, Saving Time

The 14 libraries that make up the UALC collectively own more than 8 million volumes and serve in excess of 150,000 students. Horizon helps UALC achieve its principle goal—to facilitate resource sharing—and in turn achieve a secondary goal—to cut costs. For example, Horizon enables students to easily locate an article and have it faxed to their home library. Information that once took two weeks to retrieve is now in students' hands within days. Equally important, UALC member libraries no longer have to maintain the same costly journal titles in different locations.

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