Finding books for those end-of-the-semester research papers may have become a little easier.
With the help of InMich, a new search catalog, students can request books from other Michigan libraries that are not available at MSU.
The catalog combines MSU Libraries’ holdings with those of Grand Rapids Community College, Albion College, Southfield Public Library and the Ovid-Elsie Area Schools, which are near St. Johns. The East Lansing Public Library may be the next to add its holding to the catalog.
Nancy Fleck, head of the Libraries’ Technical Services, is excited about the new system.
“InMich simply allows students access to titles we don’t have,” she said. “And we are the first in the state to try combining catalogs from large universities and public libraries.”
If after searching MAGIC, MSU Libraries’ primary search catalog, students can’t find the books they are looking for, they can search InMich without having to rekey their entry. The system then checks the union catalog to see which libraries have the books available.
Students can then request the books by simply typing in their name and the bar code on their student ID. Within three to five days students can have materials delivered to their home library, which would be any of MSU’s libraries.
Another feature of the system that may be even more convenient for students is its return policy. Although the books will be sent to students’ home libraries, they will not have to be concerned with shipping the books back. All materials can be placed in the MSU Libraries’ book returns.
Fleck said there are limitations on the system’s usage.
“The system checks to make sure you are a legitimate student,” she said. “It also checks whether or not students are in good standing (with the library). If you have overdue books or fees, the system will block your request.”
And the catalog only works for off-campus books. If MSU’s holdings are checked out, they can’t be ordered from other libraries. Students have to wait until the books are returned.
InMich was implemented last November following MSU’s receipt of the Library Services and Technology Act, a federal demonstration grant. It was to be used to demonstrate how a union catalog can be built among different types of libraries.
The grant expires in August, which will force the university to either get another grant or find a different source of funding to maintain the system. Even so, Fleck said she is pleased with the grant’s outcome and the system’s usage.
“I’m pleased about the grant because it’s the only one in the nation like this,” Fleck said. “And last month, 368 requests were made between the five libraries; 202 of those came from undergraduate students.”
Although he hasn’t used InMich yet, Gregory Teachout said he thinks the new system benefits students.
“I’ve found that certain resources I needed weren’t available,” the theater junior said. “It’ll be helpful to be able to share resources with other libraries.”
Fleck said students who may find InMich helpful are those majoring in early education.
“We don’t have a lot of children’s books here,” she said. “But students can order from Ovid-Elsie, which has books for kindergarten through 12th grade. It opens the door for more variety.”
So while the stress of finals week papers creeps up on students, they may find comfort in knowing they don’t have to rely solely on MSU’s library resources.
“I think InMich is great because it allows students to conduct a broader search,” said Lenox Magee, a journalism sophomore. “I find it very comforting knowing that there are a lot more resources available to me.”
