Bibliomation, Inc.: A Comprehensive Library Consortium and Technology Services Provider
Bibliomation, Inc. is a non-stock, not-for-profit corporation based in Connecticut, United States, that functions as the state's largest library consortium. Its core mission is to provide computer automation networking and accessing services primarily for its member libraries and schools through a shared resource consortium. The organization operates as a membership entity, bringing together municipal, state, and private libraries to share resources, technology, and expertise, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and expanding access to information for their collective patrons.
Continue…Core Operations and Model
The fundamental mechanism of Bibliomation is the operation of a shared, centralized Integrated Library System (ILS). The consortium utilizes the open-source Evergreen ILS, which is designed to meet the diverse and high-transaction needs of library consortia. By adopting this shared system, member libraries benefit from centralized cataloging and a shared computer network, which streamlines processes such as circulation, record-keeping, and inter-library loan activities. This collaborative model allows even smaller member libraries to offer robust digital and physical resource access that would be cost-prohibitive for them to host and manage independently.
The company's non-profit structure is focused on reinvesting revenue into technology, services, and support to benefit its members. This cooperative arrangement facilitates a high degree of resource sharing, making a wider collection of materials available to patrons across the consortium than any single library could offer on its own.
Products and Services
Bibliomation's offerings extend beyond the shared ILS to encompass a broad range of technology, logistical, and consulting services essential for modern library operations. These products and services are designed to address the technical and administrative needs of both public and school libraries.
1. Integrated Library System (ILS) Hosting and Support
- Evergreen ILS Hosting: Bibliomation centrally hosts and manages the Evergreen ILS for its members. This includes maintaining the shared computer network and ensuring the system's availability and performance.
- Centralized Cataloging: The consortium provides top-notch, centralized cataloging services, ensuring consistency and quality across the shared catalog. This is a crucial service that reduces the workload for individual library staff.
- IT Support and Maintenance: The organization offers expert IT support for the ILS and related infrastructure, including configuration, ongoing hosting, and technical troubleshooting for member libraries. They manage complex tasks like the migration of bibliographic records, items, patrons, and transactions from old systems when new libraries join the consortium.
2. Digital Resource Access
- OverDrive: Bibliomation facilitates access to the OverDrive platform, a widely-used service for borrowing eBooks, audiobooks, and streaming media. This service is a key component of the consortium's digital offerings and is also available to non-member entities.
- BiblioTech: Mentioned as a service available even to nonmembers, BiblioTech likely refers to an integrated technology or digital content platform offered by the organization, though specific details of its functionality are less publicized than the ILS.
3. Member Benefits and Resources
- Discounts on Library Products: The consortium leverages its collective buying power to secure discounts on a variety of essential technology and library products, including digital resources, equipment, supplies, promotional materials, furniture, and non-print items, which are available to its member institutions.
- Training and Workshops: Bibliomation provides regular trainings and workshops on a variety of topics relevant to library staff, ensuring members stay current with technology and best practices in library science.
- Consulting Services: A range of consulting services is offered, including strategic planning support, to help member and non-member libraries navigate complex technology decisions and long-term planning.
Operational Reach
As Connecticut's largest library consortium, Bibliomation serves a large community of institutions. The membership base is diverse, including public libraries, school libraries, academic libraries, and special libraries. The scale of the operation is significant, with, for example, sixty public libraries and seventeen schools sharing the Evergreen system. This cooperative infrastructure directly impacts the delivery of library services to hundreds of thousands of patrons across the state. The organization plays a vital role in promoting open-source software within the library community by committing to the Evergreen platform.
