WOLFcon 2024

In our digital world, libraries are critical in ensuring everyone has equitable and reliable access to verifiable information. However, at the same time as demands for digital resources grow, libraries encounter new challenges alongside traditional operational and budgetary constraints related to managing print inventories, such as rising delivery fees and remote storage costs. In addition to the problem of equitable access, valuable non-digital content (particularly materials with no ebook surrogate) are more difficult to discover as electronic titles flood the marketplace. These challenges underscore the importance of fostering responsible partnerships within the content and library-sharing ecosystems.

Recognizing this need, Project ReShare has developed ReShare Digital, an extension of the ReShare platform already in use by more than 150 libraries and five consortia, across the U.S., to provide a new and transformative vision for digital lending solutions. ReShare Digital’s suite of services reflect ReShare members' collective commitment to utilizing enhanced tools for digital lending on their terms, whether through traditional document delivery, Controlled Digital Lending (CDL), owned library materials, or licensed e-books.

During the presentation, attendees will have the opportunity to explore the core features of ReShare Digital, with modules slated to initially support the sharing of library-owned materials, licensed e-books, and CDL methods with integrated inventory and access controls. Presenters will also discuss ongoing efforts to collaborate with publishers as partners, leveraging existing provider agreements for e-book interlibrary loan (ILL) transactions as well as forge new business models such as library-hosted digital titles.

The presentation will conclude with a model for implementing ISO 18626 communication standards, illustrating how these standards could facilitate the sharing of digital materials beyond existing ReShare groups. This approach aims to enhance collaboration and expand access to digital resources across the library community. The presentation will also discuss proposed use cases for the next version of ISO18626 that would support further digital lending.

This presentation offers valuable insights into the future of digital lending in libraries by showcasing ReShare Digital’s flexibility and discussing strategies for collaboration with publishers and the broader library community. Attendees will gain practical knowledge and actionable steps for navigating the digital landscape while upholding principles of equitable access and responsible stewardship of digital resources - a core tenant value of Project ReShare's platform cooperative.