MINITEX and ILLINET: Two Library Networks. Occasional Papers Number 178

Abstract

This paper discusses the current operations and future activities of the Minnesota Interlibrary Telecommunications Exchange (MINITEX) and the Illinois Library and Information Network (ILLINET), two state networks established in the 1960s with the common goal of cooperation to provide library resources to their citizens, but with independent approaches relative to the environments in which each was developed. A discussion of MINITEX includes the network's history; program administration; programs, including document delivery, MULS (Minnesota Union List of Serials), OCLC (Online Computer Library Center), reference and information services, and serials exchange; sources of funding and program costs; and observations. Following an introduction to ILLINET, discussions include the network's history; governance; programs, including document delivery, OCLC and bibliographic access, reference and information services, cooperative collection development, and continuing education; sources of funding; and observations. Finally, comments and comparisons summarize similarities and differences between the networks. The text is supplemented with four tables and five figures, and appendices include: (1) a listing of the MINITEX advisory committee; (2) MINITEX roles and responsibilities; (3) a map depicting ILLINET and OCLC institutions; (4) a listing of the Illinois State Library advisory committee; and (5) a map showing the Illinois library systems. Also included are 62 primary references and 20 additional references. (KM)