The Kansas City area encompasses two states, at least five counties and dozens of municipalities. Because of this, it is common for users to live in one service district and work in another, or to cross through multiple library districts during the course of a day. Given the regional libraries’ history of strong collaboration and mutual appreciation, we all recognized the value in streamlining the discovery process for patrons who may not know or care about distinction between systems.

When users search any catalog, they will see links to results from the other libraries at the top of the screen. When viewing an item record, they see real-time availability information at the other libraries. The method employed allows each library system to maintain its own URL and branding. BiblioCommons also created a mechanism to link cards together through a single username. This allows users to effectively toggle between catalogs to locate available items and request them without logging in repeatedly.

There is a real benefit for patrons in being able to locate specific titles or copies that are not available at their home library. We hope that this increases reading and fosters appreciation for libraries in greater Kansas City. Users will be exposed to the collections, services and programs at neighboring library systems. This partnership is an example of the value of participation in a metropolitan area that contains urban, rural and suburban environments with residents of various incomes, races and backgrounds.