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SUNYConnect LMS Policies

All SUNYConnect LMS participants are required to implement the following modules as part of the initial implementation:

Online Public Access Catalog (local campus catalog and union catalog)

Circulation (local campus and remote patron-initiated borrowing)

Authority Control (shared)

Libraries may implement all other modules when and as appropriate.

Shared Authorities:

1. Local and union catalogs will be under a single unified authority control using a designated SUNYConnect project vendor.

2. Authority files are to be shared across SUNY institutions. The cost of getting campuses' authority files updated will be incorporated into the SUNYConnect financial plan. The concept of a single vendor and regular updating of authorities needs to be part of the campus MOU.

Patron-Initiated Borrowing:

1. Borrowing will be unmediated.

2. To facilitate implementation of patron-initiated borrowing in the SUNYConnect LMS, uniform borrowing privileges will be utilized.

3. Uniform borrowing privileges will be promulgated within the context of SUNY Open Access Policies.

4. Requests for copies of electronic resources available only from specific SUNY institutions and for photocopies of print materials are not considered patron-initiated borrowing and will continue to be handled via the usual ILL procedures.

5. Borrowing and lending arrangements outside of SUNYConnect are beyond the scope of the SUNYConnect project. "Uniform privileges" applies only to patron-initiated borrowing between SUNYConnect campuses (e.g., all students at SUNYConnect campuses could have a uniform 4-week, non-renewable, 10 item limit, for the main circulating collection). Each library will still need local policies for students, faculty and staff; borrowing policies outside of SUNYConnect; and lending rules for special collections.