Bergen County Cooperative Library System (BCCLS) was established to share resources among Bergen County public libraries. The cornerstone activity has been, and remains, reciprocal borrowing where a patron's hometown library card is honored at all participating libraries including libraries from other counties.1 The home library provides patrons with a unique library card number, a primary key. The card allows access to the BCCLS database where they can perform multiple tasks. Patrons can research, request materials (which are held for them at the library), check library statistics, and the status of all the items on their card.
BCCLS uses DaaS from DBMS of EBSCO, INFOTRAC and PROQUEST for magazines, newspaper, and reference resources. For example, ProQuest’s massive information pool, built through partnerships with content creators, is navigated through technological innovations that enable users to quickly find just the right information. The company is currently rolling out the all-new ProQuest® platform, which moves beyond navigation to empower researchers to use, create, and share content—accelerating research productivity.2 Similarly, EBSCO provide customers with an integrated service that combines reference databases, subscription management, online journals, books, linking services and A-to-Z solutions.3 INFOTRAC also provide similar research materials.
The Statistics database of BCCLS is very informative. It has records of number of items in circulation (sorted daily, weekly and monthly), Collection of various items, expanse analysis, library cards issued, and reciprocal borrowing (weekly and monthly). Each of these attributes are recorded for all the libraries (entities) participating in the BCCLS system.
Patrons can also access their own files where they can see individual records of items borrowed, date borrowed, date due and allowable renewals. Patrons also have options to renew items if renewable.
It has a database software, Workflow, employees use to assist their patrons. Employees, users, have access to this multiple user DBMS where they can track all items (each one with its own primary key), update patron information, reserve and request materials, account for missing and late materials and issue new cards. It is a well thought system with two entities: patrons (customers) and items (books, magazines, DVDs, CDs, etc.).
Answers to Questions
1. BCCLS database is very much depended on technology. When electricity is unavailable, which is rare, it becomes difficult to help patrons in their search. The contents of the database are accessible to users, patrons, of all ages. It is almost impossible to monitor under age children to inappropriate materials.
2. The database’s competitive advantage is it’s very well organized system that provides users quick and easy access to information needed. The concept of reciprocal borrowing is desirable so patrons have access to materials outside their home library.
3. The only improvement I would suggest is parental permission for young users to access the database.
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