[Solar-L] SOLAR libraries group

[Bolduc, Janet]

I read Susan's message about SOLAR library participation with interest.
Now that things have started to settle down a bit, (John Clark's job has
been filled by Deb Hensler) would any other SOLAR libraries like to
attempt scheduling regular meetings?  Banded together we will have a
better chance of making our needs known.  I think it is up to us as
members to begin coordination of a group instead of leaving it up to the
MaineInfoNet administers.

If we begin the effort, though, it sounds as if they would be willing to
help.  Karl's reply to Susan said, "Maine Info Net would certainly be
willing to facilitate user group meetings for SOLAR users."  Looking at
the MaineInfoNet calendar
http://www.maine.gov/infonet/admin/calendar/index.htm shows most
Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays free if we want to meet at the State
Library.  My circulation experience demonstrates that Thursday is the
least busy day of the week so that is my vote!  Minerva groups usually
meet four times a year but we wouldn't have to be that ambitious.  Every
four to six months seems more reasonable.  Anyone else interested?  John
McManus, as our SOLAR representative to the MaineInfoNet Board, what do
you think?

Janet Bolduc, Librarian
Inland Hospital Library
200 Kennedy Memorial Drive
Waterville, ME 04901
207-861-3018
Library Hours:
Thursday 9:30 - 5:30

-----Original Message-----
From: MINERVA Online Library System News
[mailto:MINERVA-L at LISTS.MAINE.EDU] On Behalf Of Susan Winch
Sent: Monday, July 10, 2006 1:18 PM
To: MINERVA-L at LISTS.MAINE.EDU
Subject: Re: [MINERVA-L] MaineCat and Reciprocity

As one of those libraries that is part of the distant crowd (SOLAR), I 
would like to the join the discussion. No substantial effort has been 
made to integrate SOLAR libraries with their particular 
circumstances into the MaineCat fold. To my knowledge, there is no 
SOLAR users council, nor is there representation from SOLAR 
libraries in creating loaning and borrowing policies. 

I don't believe it's a matter of comfort and trust. It's been a matter
of
benign neglect. Scarborough PL has never been asked to adjust it's 
policies.  We are  sensitive, however, to reciprocity and do not ask 
to borrow any type of media that we do not ourselves loan.

We have many, many frustrations with the SOLAR program, most of 
which arise from "the more distant and less constant relations 
among libraries at that level" and the lack of staff attention to 
SOLAR shortcomings in the both the operational and policy areas. 

Understanding that the past couple of years have been a difficult 
transitional period, we (Scarborough PL) have not complained and 
tried to adapt on our own. the Scarborough staff has been incredibly 
patient in working with other libraries that don't understand how 
SOLAR functions. 

Now, I think it is time to put some serious effort into SOLAR and 
also to spend some time explaining, conveying, teaching Minerva 
and other libraries what SOLAR is, the rules we operate under, and 
how to work with SOLAR libraries.

Susan