by Zach Miller
Quick Summary
Minitex is excited to announce that we have selected ReShare, hosted by Index Data, to replace the VDX system that supports MNLINK. MNLINK’s new platform is scheduled to go live by early summer, 2024. We extend our thanks to the members of the MNLINK Transition Task Force, whose work made this decision possible.
Minitex is excited to announce that we have selected ReShare, hosted by Index Data, to replace the VDX system that supports MNLINK, the statewide system that has provided library access and resource sharing for patrons and staff across Minnesota since its initial launch in 2004. MNLINK’s new platform is scheduled to go live by early summer, 2024. Minitex will be Index Data’s fifth installation of ReShare.
The new MNLINK, powered by ReShare and VuFind®, will serve as a comprehensive discovery and interlibrary loan interface, providing library patrons with seamless access to library materials from across Minnesota. This user-friendly system will also enable effortless access to a diverse range of electronic resources including electronic journals, images, and ebooks.
The ReShare Community is a group of libraries, consortia, information organizations, and developers, with both commercial and non-commercial interests, who came together in 2018 to create Project ReShare, a new and open approach to library resource sharing. The ReShare Community has a bold vision for building a user-centered, app-based, community-owned resource sharing platform for libraries to set a new standard for how we connect library patrons to the resources and information they require.
“Minitex is delighted to partner with Index Data and Project ReShare to provide the next generation of service to MNLINK library users across the state of Minnesota,” said Maggie Snow, Minitex Director. “MNLINK has been offering innovative resource sharing and discovery services to libraries and library patrons for twenty years, and we're looking forward to implementing a user-friendly, modern, open source system to continue to help libraries meet their communities’ information needs for years to come.”
MNLINK provides access to materials from 25 different library systems, representing over 500 physical locations. The system's extensive database comprises nearly 32 million items representing almost 15 million unique titles, ensuring a diverse and enriching library experience for all users.
Minitex is proud to promote collaboration and equitable access to knowledge across Minnesota, and remains committed to empowering libraries, cultural institutions, and their communities through innovative services like MNLINK.
Minitex extends its thanks to the members of the MNLINK Transition Task Force, whose work made this decision possible. “The Task Force volunteered their time for over a year,” said Gerri Moeller, Minitex’s very appreciative Director of Resource Sharing. “They worked tirelessly to create comprehensive requirements for the system and evaluated lengthy RFP responses. The result will be a better service for all Minnesotans.” The Task Force’s members were:
- Amy Pohlen, Library Assistant, Carver County Libraries
- Debi McCuin, Library Associate, South Dakota State University
- Gerri Moeller, Minitex Associate Director for Resource Sharing and Delivery (Chair)
- Jami Trenam, Great River Regional Library, Associate Director Collection Development
- Johnna Horton, Executive Director, PALS
- Kirsten Clark, University of Minnesota Libraries, Director of Library Enterprise Systems
- Nick Banitt, Minitex Resource Sharing Manager (Vice-chair)
- Paul Swanson, Minitex Technology Director
- Sarah Jackson, Interlibrary Loan Specialist, SELCO
- Seth Erickson, Director of IT Systems, Traverse des Sioux Library Cooperative
About Minitex
Minitex is an information and resource sharing program of the Minnesota Office of Higher Education and the University of Minnesota Libraries, located on the campus of the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. Our mission is to strengthen libraries, cultural institutions, and the communities they serve. We connect libraries and individuals with information, ideas, and experiences to enrich lives and strengthen communities.
About Index Data
Index Data has been delivering open source technology and services to libraries for over 30 years. It has provided FOLIO services, including consulting, development, implementation, and hosting, to libraries in the United States, Europe, and Australia. Index Data is also the service provider for several consortia running ReShare, and open source Interlibrary Loan software. For more information, visit https://www.indexdata.com.
