Broker
Broker-based Resource Sharing
In this workflow, the ILL main functions (such as submitting a request, defining potential suppliers and finding a supplier that is willing to supply the material) are done inside the broker ILL system.
Alma is used mainly for the circulation and inventory aspects of the workflow.
Alma is used mainly for the circulation and inventory aspects of the workflow.
Three integration points are typically part of this workflow:
- OpenURL or another URL based integration for request submission.
- Z39.50 integration for exposing the library’s holdings availability to the other members of the resource sharing network. At times, systems require full publishing of the institutions’ repository rather than rely on ad-hoc Z39.50 queries.
- Integration for back office processing of the requests, at both borrower and lender sides.
An integrated broker resource sharing system may support some or all of these integration points.
Implementing these integration points enables libraries to use an external broker ILL system, relying on Alma and Primo to orchestrate the discovery, inventory management and fulfillment aspects of the resource sharing process.
The following diagram illustrates the workflow:
The following protocols are supported for broker-based Resource Sharing:
Each protocol implements the above communication with specific messages, including the relevant information.
Broker-based Resource Sharing with Alma and the following systems is supported:
| System | Vendor | Functionality | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ILL/D2D | Relais | Production | Relais responds to “Submit Request” with request form | |
| Navigator | OCLC/Atlas | Production | NRE responds to “Submit Request” with search interface | |
| ILLiad | OCLC/Atlas | Production | ILLiad responds to “Submit Request” with request form, requiring loginAlma can send structured emails to a configured email address, from which ILLiad may be configured to import the emails and create internally managed borrowing requests | |
| VDX | OCLC | Production | ||
| OCLC Worldshare | OCLC | Not supported by vendor | APIs not being made available to Alma by OCLC | |
| OCLC Tipasa | OCLC | Production | ||
| ShareIt | AutoGraphics | Verified | ||
| InnReach via DCB | Innovative |
| Production | Requires a script to mediate between Alma and Inn-Reach. See Alma – Inn reach integration. |
| InnReach via Direct APIs | Innovative | In development | ||
| SLNP Supporting Systems | SISIS/OCLC |
| Production | |
| GTBib-SOD | Kronosdoc | Verified | No use of the OPAC syntax | |
| Clio II | Clio Software | Production | ||
| RapidILL | Colorado State University | Publishing/APIs | Production | Alma Publishing Profile is used to update Rapid ILL with holdings information. Additionally, requests created in Alma are pushed into RapidILL for further processing in RapidILL if the requested resource is indeed available via RapidILL |
| Functionality | Legend |
|---|---|
| Submit Request | A borrowing may be pushed from Alma into the broker system. Request is directly loaded into the broker system by an online request form |
| Locate and Availability | Alma repository, including its inventory status, may be exposed to the broker system |
| Fulfillment | The following actions may be done in the broker system and be automatically reflected into Alma: Borrower Side :
Lender Side:
|
| Resource Sharing Process | Communicate resource sharing workflow actions such as :
## B – initiator of message is Borrower |
| Patron File | Patron information is exported to broker using Alma’s integration profiles. |
| Status | Legend |
|---|---|
| Production | The integration is used by customers in production |
| Roadmap | The integration is planned |
| Verified | Integration is tested or otherwise verified but not known to be implemented in production |
| Being Tested | Integration is actively in the process of being verified |
| Not Supported by Vendor | Third party system is known not to support the integration |