Shared Collection Service Bus (SCSB) is a middleware that provides library discovery-to-delivery services using a multi-institutional and consortial approach. SCSB manages transactions between bibliographic databases, inventory and discovery systems in order to expedite end-user discovery and order fulfillment for library materials.
SCSB is a cloud-based package that enables patrons at any partner library to discover and request materials from a designated shared collection. It creates an index of items for each partner’s discovery environment, allowing patrons to search all shared items alongside their other library resources. To achieve this, the middleware leverages APIs to communicate in real-time with the partner libraries’ integrated library systems (ILS) and discovery layers as well as storage inventory management systems (IMS). Real-time availability and request provides a seamless experience for patrons.
SCSB will enable efficient, real-time transactions between the integrated library systems (ILS) of New York Public Library, Columbia University, Princeton University, and Harvard University their web-accessible discovery environments, and the ReCAP inventory management system (IMS).
SCSB is designed to provide
Real-time availability of all shared collection items in OPAC systems
Validate and process the requests in real-time
Provide real-time item status
Integration with Partner ILS to support requesting and circulation. Support of collection management rules
Support existing workflows and user experience
Eliminate cross loading bibliographic and item records in ILS (Voyager, Sierra)
The following diagram represents the environment (of the collaborating systems) where the solution fits in. The block named "Middleware" represents the solution being developed and implemented.
