OCLC Acquires Interlibrary Loan Tech Provider Relais International & Launches Tipasa Cloud-based ILL Management System

From OCLC:

OCLC has agreed to acquire Relais International, a leading interlibrary loan solution provider based in Ottawa, Canada, to significantly increase resource sharing options and capabilities for both Relais customers and OCLC member libraries and groups worldwide.
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Resource sharing is at the heart of OCLC’s mission, helping patrons find and get the materials they need. Today, we not only announced the release of Tipasa, the first-ever cloud based interlibrary loan management system, but we’re now pleased to add new technological capabilities through the addition of Relais,” said Skip Prichard, OCLC President and CEO. “Relais is the leader in consortial borrowing, facilitating the highest fill rate in the industry. Together, we will combine the best communities, best talent and best solutions to serve libraries and groups around the world. This is an excellent fit for libraries, Relais and OCLC.”

Read the Complete Announcement
and in Other OCLC News…

Today, OCLC also announced the roll-out of Tipasa, the first cloud-based interlibrary loan management system.
Tipasa reimagines features and functionality of the Windows-based ILLiad service, and moves them to the cloud. Because updates and enhancements happen automatically in a cloud-based system, Tipasa requires only limited IT resources. The simple interface is easy to use, making it easy to train staff, volunteers and student assistants.
Libraries have the option to create unmediated processes to move requests to lending libraries and then to the user—anywhere, anytime, on any device—without requiring manual approval. Library users can receive customized email and text notifications, and they can access content as soon as it becomes available.

Read the Complete Announcement

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