Partners Resource Sharing Group
About the Partners Resource Sharing Group
The Partners Resource Sharing Group (Partners) is the largest library sharing group in Montana. While all libraries in the Montana Shared Catalog (MSC) consortium share the Symphony integrated library system (ILS), as well as access to system support and training, Partners libraries also share physical library materials. A patron whose library participates in Partners can place holds on items owned by other libraries in the group. Using a combination of local and regional transport and courier service, the item is delivered to the patron’s home library or any Partners library for them to pick up and use. Partners libraries agree on shared circulation rules, practices, and procedures to ensure smooth interactivity for patrons throughout the system. As of 2024, Partners libraries hold over 900,000 items.
More about Partners
- Partners meets bimonthly, either virtually or in person. For more information about upcoming Partners meetings, please submit a help desk ticket.
- Partners Bylaws (attached at the bottom of this page) were last updated in March 2022.
- Partners Policies and Procedures can be found online as part of the MSC knowledge base and adapt as the needs and requirements of the sharing group change.
A list and map of current Partners Sharing Group libraries can be found on the MSC Resource Sharing Groups page.
How to Join
Montana libraries wishing to join the Partners sharing group must first be part of the Montana Shared Catalog. MSC libraries interested in Partners should start by talking to other Partners libraries and expressing their interest to Montana Shared Catalog administrators. The Partners Membership Preparation Plan (last updated in 2023) is attached below. It outlines the step-by-step process for preparing and joining the Partners Resource Sharing Group.
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