MeL Catalog Project demonstrations by the two top vendors—Dynix and Innovative Interfaces—drew standing room-only audiences at the Michigan Library Consortium's offices on Sept. 9 and Sept. 16. More than 50 people crowded into MLC’s largest classroom for each of the half-day public demonstrations by these vendors.

Participants were from libraries of all types. They brought considerable experience with resource sharing and interlibrary loan to the task of evaluating the demonstrations. Many attendees were able to come for both vendor presentations. The MeL Catalog Project Steering Committee carefully reviewed the results of their evaluations and all the comments submitted by the attendees. Thanks to all who were able to participate and provide their reactions and insights.

Both vendors commented on the interest in and enthusiasm for a statewide information portal, catalog and resource-sharing system that was evident by the attendees and their excellent questions. In fact, 63 libraries with stand-alone local systems and seven shared systems representing 155 libraries have indicated their willingness to be in the first phase of the MeL project implementation. Another 76 libraries with stand-alone systems and four shared systems with 184 libraries have opted for phase two. As the project moves forward, an implementation plan for how best to bring libraries on board will be developed with the vendor.

Updated 01/09/2006