The Library has just launched a beta version of easyBorrow, a simplfied interface to the various borrowing options the Library makes available through its partnerships with other libraries in the Ivy League and in New England.
These options — InRhode, Borrow Direct, Virtual Catalog, and Interlibrary Loan — while vastly increasing the volume of material available to the Brown community, can be difficult to discover and to navigate. They are separate proprietary systems with different interfaces; some require a login with a library barcode, others a Brown username and password; if a search fails in one it must be repeated manually in the others. Not only is this arrangement inconvenient, it also results in a significant percentage of requests going to the service that provides the item most slowly, and that is most costly for the Library.
Our solution is easyBorrow, a locally developed system which we are currently testing in a beta version. The system uses WorldCat as the starting point for locating a desired item. When you click “Request this item”, the easyBorrow system first performs a lookup in Josiah, checking location and availability. If a circulating copy is available, you are redirected to the Josiah record. If no copy is available, you are directed to an authentication screen to place your request. The easyBorrow system displays a message that the request was accepted and that an email with details will follow shortly. Behind the scenes, the easyBorrow system queries and attempts to place your request with the most appropriate service. If the request cannot be placed in the first system, it will try the second and third if necessary; if still not found, the request will go to the ILLiad Interlibrary Loan service. Attempts and results are recorded in a database that can be viewed by staff should a problem arise.
To try easyBorrow, use the WorldCat / easyBorrow link which appears on the library home page and on the left navigation bar on second tier pages of the library website.
Please send your feedback to libweb@brown.edu!