Resource Sharing for Groups digest, 2025
This digest summarizes the new features and enhancements introduced to Resource Sharing for Groups in 2025. In the digest, you’ll find recommended actions for enhancements that require you to configure/enable new functionality.
| Enhancement | Release date | More details |
|---|---|---|
| Provide library staff members with a new user role for linking patrons | February 2025 | A new user role, WorldShare ILL Patron View User, is now available, providing all the actions included with the WorldShare ILL User role, plus the ability to view patron records and link a patron to a request. |
| Allow patrons to specify their preference for electronic or print | February 2025 | New options are now available in OCLC Service Configuration, the patron request form, and the staff interface that allow you to optionally collect and record the patron’s preference for electronic versus print. |
| Choose whether to participate in your group's off-system lending request form | February 2025 | For lending with off-system partners, library groups now can optionally set up a request form. |
| Share off-system partners among the group | February 2025 | Off-system partners created in the Address Book can now be shared across all libraries in your group. |
| For libraries with WMS or third-party circulation integration, utilize existing circulation integration settings for off-system requests | July 2025 | This new functionality ensures that borrowing and lending activities are accurately reflected in your local circulation system, even for requests fulfilled outside standard ILL workflows. |
| Enhanced renewal request notifications for improved communication | August 2025 | We’ve introduced three new notification types to improve communication and transparency throughout the renewal request process. |
| Staff interface being modernized for improved accessibility, usability, and navigation | November 2025 | Key areas updated included: WorldShare ILL home page, Search results page, Non-batch queues, Create Request page, Borrowing Requests (Purchase, Staff Notes, Request History), and more. |
| Use automation to identify multiple bibliographic records to expand potential lenders | December 2025 | By expanding the concept of bibliographic matching to allow for multiple acceptable matches rather than just one, more of your preferred lenders will be included in the lender string. See the release notes for full details. |
Important reminder, you can save staff time, speed delivery to your library users with these Smart fulfillment functionalities:
- Knowledge base coverage check automatically responds no for copy requests outside your library’s coverage or license terms
- Real-time availability for ILL significantly reduces the number of times you respond “no” and “In use, on loan”
- Automated Request Manager saves you time by automating routine borrowing and lending tasks
- Smart lender strings through the Automated Request Manager help you improve fill rates and turnaround times - Now with Intelligent timing!
- Express program, for libraries that qualify, gives you access to other fast copy suppliers to get materials to your users quickly
Also see these tips to Improve turnaround time and the Turnaround Time dashboards for finding and tracking your average lending and borrowing turnaround time.