(​​MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA and BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS) Minitex and Index Data are excited to announce that Minitex has selected ReShare to replace the VDX system that supports MNLINK—Minitex’s groundbreaking statewide system that has revolutionized 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.

The new MNLINK, powered by ReShare and VuFind® and hosted by Index Data, 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 access to a diverse range of electronic resources including electronic journals, images, and ebooks. 

“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 of multitype libraries. 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. ReShare is designed to enable high-volume, unmediated borrowing between libraries.

Underpinning MNLINK’s interlibrary loan capabilities, ReShare, hosted by Index Data, will streamline resource sharing among all types of libraries. The system will integrate 13 SirsiDynix sites (7 Symphony and 6 Horizon), 3 Innovative sites (1 Polaris and 2 Sierra), 3 Evergreen sites, 2 Ex Libris Alma instances, and one Koha site, ensuring a smooth and cohesive experience for both libraries and patrons.

Lynn Bailey, CEO of Index Data, expressed her enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are honored to have been selected to further develop and host ReShare for Minitex and support the innovative MNLINK Service. At Index Data, we believe in the transformative power of open source technologies to enhance library services. Through our collaboration with Minitex, we will provide a resource sharing platform that empowers libraries to deliver exceptional experiences to their patrons.”

The collaboration with Minitex will lead to a number of important enhancements to the ReShare platform which will benefit the entire community. These include basic support for document delivery, usability and accessibility enhancements, support for a “lender of last resort” function, and new features for integration with a local ILS.

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.

Index Data’s ReShare hosting services are designed to accommodate the unique needs and workflows of complex library systems like Minitex. ReShare enables efficient resource sharing and fosters collaborative partnerships within the consortium. Minitex will be Index Data’s fifth installation of ReShare following PALCI (2021), ConnectNY (2021), IPLC (2022), and TRLN (2023). CAVAL will install ReShare for its members in 2024.

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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

For almost thirty years, Index Data has been building market-leading open source software relied on by libraries and service providers. We specialize in development, systems integration, hosting and implementation services, and bibliographic metadata management. We are a founding stakeholder of the FOLIO library management system and its original architects and developers. Index Data is also a key stakeholder in Project ReShare, a community-owned open platform for resource sharing, and the Library Data Platform, an open source reporting and analytics platform. We have developed expertise in designing and servicing innovative solutions for the library ecosystem. Together, we’re building the library of the future! To learn more about Index Data, please visit www.indexdata.com.

About Project ReShare

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. For more information, contact info@projectreshare.org.