Networking and Arkansas Libraries

  Arkansas libraries have a long, rich history of working together to provide materials and services to Arkansans.  Technology came into play in the mid-1970s when the first 8 Arkansas libraries joined the Online Computer Library Center (OCLC) to share their holdings on a state, regional and national level.  The last 35 years have brought significant changes in technology, and Arkansas libraries have continued to adapt new ideas to provide better service.  Glossary

A Network Advisory Committee was formed in 1993 to help assess the technology needs of various library types.  The current committee has three academic library representatives, three public library representatives, two school library representatives and two special library representatives.  The Committee

Listed below is a brief overview of various library efforts; , Arkansas Statewide Backbone (ArkNet/APSCN/DIS --Internet),  ARIEL (document delivery), Traveler Database Project ,  OCLC/AMIGOS (cataloging and interlibrary loan ; CatExpress Arkansas), Document Depository Libraries -- Federal State, and retired networks such as AMInet and  ArkFax (telefacsimile).

Early in 1990s ARKnet, predominantly an academic confederation, worked with the Department of Computer Services (later changed to Department of Information Systems DIS) to build and maintain a frame relay computer backbone for connection to Internet.  ARKnet represents the academic community, APSCN is the Arkansas Public School Computer Network and Department of Information Services provides connections for government agencies.  Between 1995 and 1998, 15 public library systems joined ARKnet for Internet access, using LSCA and later LSTA funds.  By 1999 over 200 public libraries had equipment and Internet connections through the Gates Library Initiative, those that wanted dedicated access (broadband) connections became DIS clients.  As more choices in broadband connections became available Arkansas public libraries purchased connections through local Internet Service Providers.   DIS currently has 42 public library clients on the state network.    Administrative unit: University of Arkansas/Executive Board of ARKnet/DIS

ARIEL is a software package that allows libraries to scan documents into a computer, then transmit the document across Internet connection in a condensed text format.   ARIEL was first purchased by the libraries participating in Phase I of ARKnet development, paid for with a federal Dept. of Education grant.  Additional libraries around the state have also purchased the software.  Administrative unit: none

Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) provides funds to purchase full text  database products for access to reliable resources through Internet access. [Current Subscription]  Any academic, public, school or special library in the state can register to access the products, available Oct. 1,  to Sept. 30.  By Dec. 1998 over 600 libraries registered and by Dec. 2005, approximately 1,300 [Participant's list]  [Originally called: LFTLA -- LSTA Full Text Libraries of Arkansas in 1998 and changed to Traveler in 2000.]

Online Computer Library Center is an international non-profit company that houses 80 million plus bibliographic records from its members.  Full Members use OCLC services for cataloging assistance and to help locate materials for Interlibrary Loan.   Selective Members have access to Interlibrary Loan services.

AMIGOS is a regional broker for OCLC and library consultant group.  Arizona, Arkansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico and Texas work with AMIGOS personnel on various resource sharing projects.

Arkansas Full Member Libraries                 Arkansas Selective User Libraries

                                                                            Selective User Agreement    Instructions

Created to provide Group Access Capability (GAC) for smaller libraries in Arkansas.   This provided Selective User Members access to abbreviated bibliographic records for assistance in borrowing and lending materials in Arkansas.  In 2004 the GAC project was phased out by OCLC, and Selective Users were given the ability to contact any OCLC library directly.  The AL@N symbol is still used for Interlibrary Loan searching by Selective Users.