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Catalog Reference Presentations and Meeting Notes

December 7, 2023

Presentations

 

December 14, 2022

Presenters: Rose Nelson-CO Alliance, Paul Moeller-CU Boulder, Nicole Becwar-CO School of Mines, Jawahir Javaid-DPL, Sara Werling-CU Boulder

Resources

 

January 2022

Prospector Refresher (MP4)

 

October 22, 2021

How Prospector Works (MP4) (video does play audio, just muted at very beginning.) 

Presenter Slides: (Click on each name to download slides)

 

PREVIOUS PRESENTATIONS

Prospector Resource Sharing 

CONTACT  AND COMMUNICATION

TECHNICAL DOCUMENTS

 

POLICIES

 

RECONCILIATION PROCESS

 

BEST PRACTICES

 

PAGING SLIP TEMPLATES

Paging Slip Template Examples

 

PROCEDURAL DOCUMENTS

 

DIGITAL LENDING

 

Prospector is a union catalog of  nearly 200 academic, public and special libraries in Colorado and Wyoming. Prospector gives library patrons and staff access to more than 30 million books, journals, DVDs, CDs, videos and other materials held in the Prospector member libraries. With a single search, patrons can find materials and request free delivery to their local library via the Colorado Library Courier. 

Prospector Lending Policy

There are some exceptions, but most items in Prospector follow these lending policies:

  • 21 day loan period (1 week for most DVDs, CDs, and videotapes)
  • 1 renewal (No renewal for most DVDs, CDs, and videotapes)
  • Up to 70 requests/check-outs per person. However, local library limits may be more restrictive and take precedence over Prospector limits. 
  • Overdue fines and fees will be determined by your local library (the library whose card you used to check-out the item) 
  • If all copies of materials are checked-out a hold may be placed although books may not be recalled
  • Springer and Elsevier ebooks are requestable through Prospector and have the same checkout period as print books.  They are downloadable as PDF files. Other ebooks from publishers or vendors are not available through Prospector.
  • Some streaming videos may also be available through Prospector.  Lending policies for these items are dictated by license agreements and may be shorter than 21 days and don't allow renewals.

Technical Information

Prospector runs on the Innovative Interfaces, Inc. (III) software module called INN-Reach, which is administered through III but maintained locally by Alliance staff. Libraries who use a non-III system can still join Prospector. For more information, please send an email to help@coalliance.org.

History

Prospector was originally developed with funds awarded through a state technology grant in 1999. Prospector went live with 19 libraries and has more than doubled in members over the last several years.

Governance

The Prospector Directors Group consists of Alliance and non-Alliance deans and directors of Prospector member libraries. There is an Annual Prospector Director's meeting held in November. There is also a Prospector preconference each year at the Colorado Interlibrary Loan Conference .

There are two standing Prospector committees: Catalog Reference Committee and Document Delivery Committee that meet regularly to discuss policies and procedures.  Committees are chaired by staff from member libraries.  A representative from the Alliance sits on both committees helping to oversee activities and organize meetings. 

 

 

A Brief History

The Colorado Alliance of Research Libraries is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that began in 1974 and was formally incorporated as a non-profit in 1981 by Ward Shaw, the founding executive director. From the beginning, the consortium was designed to help research and educational institutions share information resources and reduce operating costs by working together.

In 1982, the organization began development of the CARL integrated library system (ILS) to replace the traditional card catalogs at the Alliance member libraries. In 1988, CARL formed “CARL Systems Incorporated,” a for-profit subsidiary whose purpose was to market the CARL ILS. The organization also launched an article request and delivery system called “UnCover” in 1988.

In 1995, the consortium sold CARL Systems, Inc. and UnCover, plus the “CARL” name, to Knight-Ridder Information, Inc. With that sale, the consortium legally became “The Alliance.” There is no current affiliation between The Alliance and these historical products, and The Alliance no longer uses the "CARL" acronym.

An early history of CARL was published by Steve Fisher, University Historian at the University of Denver, in a 2009 article in Collaborative Librarianship.  Alan Charnes became the second executive director in 1991 until his retirement in 2011 (a tribute to Alan was published in Collaborative Librarianship in 2011).  Alan was succeeded by George Machovec who remains as the current executive director.

Our Mission

The Colorado Alliance of Research Libraries (The Alliance) increases, enhances, and facilitates cooperation among libraries. The Alliance achieves its mission in the following four strategic areas:

Library Services
Facilitate, develop, and improve library services to students, faculty, and the general public.

Library Resources
Share, leverage, and expand library resources.

Access to Information
Promote information creation, collection, access, preservation, storage, and distribution.

Collaboration
Engage in cost-effective collaboration among participating libraries.

Governance

The Colorado Alliance of Research Libraries is managed by its Board of Directors and Member Council. The Board focuses on fiscal matters related to the consortium. Member Council (library deans/directors) provide guidance and direction related to the projects and activities offered by the consortium.

Board of Directors

The business affairs of the Alliance are managed by the Board of Directors, according to the provisions of the Alliance Bylaws. The Board meets on a quarterly basis to manage the financial interests of the organization and provide broad oversight of the consortium's activities. 

Members of the Board of Directors

Last updated: October 2024
Board MemberMember InstitutionTitle
Sylvia Rael, Board ChairColorado Mesa UniversityLibrary Director
Michael Levine-Clark, Board Vice-ChairUniversity of DenverDean of University Libraries
Linda Kosten, Board TreasurerUniversity of DenverSenior Vice Provost, University Budget, Planning, and Administration
Dustin FifeColorado CollegeCollege Librarian
Harper JohnsonUniversity of Colorado, Colorado SpringsAssistant Vice Chancellor for IT and Chief Information Officer
Amy GannonUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical CampusAssociate Vice Chancellor, Financial Services and Controller
Karen EstlundColorado State University-Fort CollinsDean of Libraries
Gail MackinColorado State University-PuebloProvost & Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs
Seth PorterUniversity of Colorado, Colorado SpringsDean of the Library
Open PositionTBATBA

Member Council

Operating within the general policies established by the Board of Directors, the Alliance Member Council meets every two months to discuss the mission-related activities of the Alliance. The Alliance Member Council is composed of the Dean or Director of each Alliance member institution library (or their representatives). From time to time, the Council will establish task forces or committees to examine topics of interest to the members.

Member Council Members

Last updated: July 2024
Council MemberMember InstitutionTitle
Seth Porter, ChairUniversity of Colorado, Colorado SpringsDean of the Library
Dan Lawrence, Vice ChairRegis UniversityDean of the Library
Michelle JeskeDenver Public LibraryCity Librarian
Michael Levine-ClarkUniversity of DenverDean of University Libraries
Melissa De SantisUniversity of Colorado, Anschutz Medical CampusLibrary Director
Sylvia RaelColorado Mesa UniversityLibrary Director
Rhonda Gonzales ManzanaresColorado State University-PuebloDean of Library Services
Cinthya IppolitiAuraria LibraryUniversity Librarian and Director
Robert H. McDonaldUniversity of Colorado BoulderDean of Libraries and Sr. Vice Provost of Online Education
Karen EstlundColorado State University-Fort CollinsDean of Libraries
Dustin FifeColorado CollegeCollege Librarian
Tiffanie WickWestern Colorado UniversityDirector of Library Services
Cassandra KvenildUniversity of WyomingDean of Libraries
Sheila YehUniversity of Northern ColoradoDean of Libraries
Jack ManessColorado School of MinesUniversity Librarian
Colonel Dave BuchananUnited States Air Force AcademyInterim Library Director