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).
Ex Libris Alma replaced Voyager and SFX in June 2020 for the institutions that are part of CARLI’s I-Share resource sharing system.
CARLI's 89 Libraries Go Live on Alma Primo VE Library Services Platform (Press Release), June 29, 2020
Ex Libris Press Release, January 28, 2019
CARLI Announcement to Members, October 17, 2018
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
CARLI is not currently adding new institutions to I-Share, but may again in the future. Interested institutions should email a letter of interest to the CARLI Office.
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 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, email the CARLI office.