Overview

What is I-Share?

The I-Share serves as the online public catalog for 94 CARLI member libraries. I-Share provides participating libraries with an online catalog of their own collection as well as a merged, union catalog of the holdings of all I-Share libraries and supports resource sharing among participating libraries. I-Share also supports library collection management functions including circulation, cataloging, acquisitions, serials control, course reserves and reporting. I-Share runs on the Alma and Primo VE platform from Ex Libris (Part of Clarivate).

Benefits of I-Share Participation

RESOURCE SHARING

I-Share library patrons may locate and borrow items from other I-Share libraries when those items are not available at their local library. Requested items are sent from the lending library to the borrower's library through ILDS. I-Share’s reciprocal borrowing policy also allows patrons who are registered borrowers at an I-Share library to visit any other I-Share library and borrow items onsite.

ACCESS TO AN ENORMOUS CONSORTIAL COLLECTION

The I-Share database contains over 15 million unique bibliographic records and 38.17 million item records, representing the holdings of 94 CARLI I-Share member institutions. The combination of this enormous consortial collection with I-Share’s resource sharing services gives I-Share library patrons ready access to a collection that ranks among the world’s greatest research libraries.

PUBLIC ACCESS TO I-SHARE

The I-Share Union View and all local library catalogs are all accessible to the public. No login is required to search and view, however a valid ID from an I-Share library is required to borrow items. 

COLLABORATION

The I-Share community works together with the CARLI staff to provide a wide range of opportunities to learn from each other through best practice documents, educational programming, user forums and topical email lists, training materials, and more. 

TRAINING

CARLI holds a variety of events, primarily online webinars.  Information about upcoming training sessions and events is available from the CARLI calendar, and from the various topical I-Share email lists.

I-Share Participation Agreement

Libraries Interested in Becoming an I-Share Library

CRITERIA FOR PARTICIPATION

Libraries interested in participating in I-Share must be a CARLI governing member, and must be willing to abide by the terms of the I-Share participation agreement and the CARLI I-Share resource sharing policies, including providing access to their circulating collections to patrons of other I-Share libraries, promptly filling requests, and maintaining current and accurate catalog and borrower information.

APPLICATION PROCESS

On May 2, 2025, CARLI shared information with directors at our non-I-Share member institutions with information on how to receive updated pricing. Interested institutions should  to the CARLI Office. 

COSTS FOR I-SHARE PARTICIPATION

One-time Costs

There is a one-time cost associated with initial migration to Alma. The amount varies based on metrics determined by the vendor and is provided before a commitment is made to join I-Share.

Ongoing Costs

Ongoing costs cover the library’s annual Governing Membership fee membership fee and an annual I-Share assessment determined by the CARLI Board.  I-Share libraries are responsible for the costs of sending their staff to I-Share training and continuing education events as needed.

I-Share libraries are also responsible for providing and maintaining the PCs that library staff and patrons use to connect to I-Share, for providing an adequate number of barcode scanners and printers to support staff activity at circulation points and in technical services, and an adequate network connection to I-Share.

For more information, or to express interest in participating in I-Share, .