GIL Express:Book Lending with

Objective Describe the GIL Express system used by the University System of Georgia (USG) and look at how the system works at the only Health Sciences University included in the program.

Presenters: Lindsay Blake, MLIS, AHIP and Kim Mears, Medical College of

Georgia.

The creation of GALILEO and GIL Express GIL Express is only one portion of the GALILEO (GeorgiA LIbrary LEarning Online) initiative that began in August 1994. GALILEO started with an idea to create a state-wide library system which would provide online materials to all Georgia libraries. A wealth of databases and other materials could be shared amongst the libraries and library services could be greatly improved with this additional access. GALILEO premiered in September 1995. At this time, access was limited to faculty and students within the University System of Georgia. GALILEO quickly grew in popularity and garnered the interest of private academic institutions. At present, GALILEO serves more than 2,500 locations, including: public and private colleges and universities, technical colleges, public libraries, and public K-12 schools. Patrons now have access to approximately 100 databases and over 2,000 journal titles. The second phase of the GALILEO project called for the creation of a union catalog. This creation allowed cataloging, accessing and circulation of books among the 34 public institutions of higher learning in the USG. This Union Catalog featured a universal borrowing module which allowed library patrons to borrow books from any of the USG libraries, the Atlanta History Center and the Georgia Department of Archives and History. Patrons are able to check out books on site or to order books online through a remote requesting service. These books are then delivered to the patron’s library of choice where they can then be checked out. Currently, the GIL Universal Catalog holds over six million records that are maintained on a regular basis.

GIL Express use at the Medical College of GeorgiaLending from Greenblatt Library to other USG schools has stayed

fairly consistent over the years. Lending from our library may have stayed consistent over the years due to the fact we are the only Health Sciences University in the GIL Express system. We only have a few texts to lend which may be of use in other institutions. The basic sciences, nursing and statistics are the main areas from which we lend books.

At the other end, borrowing by patrons of Greenblatt Library has steadily increased each year. This increase can be partially attributed to more students, faculty and staff learning about the program. Another area of increase is from faculty who are primarily researchers. Researchers tend to order more items individually than any other group.

Overall, use of the GIL Express program has increased throughout the USG system. All patrons seem to enjoy that they can order books for school, work, research or pleasure.

The future of GIL ExpressThe cost for the GIL Express program is covered by state funds.

Originally, books were mailed through FedEx. This provided a 2 or 3 day turn around time anywhere in the state. However, as use of GIL Express expanded the cost of mailing an increasing number of books became too expensive. An alternate exchange method needed to be found or the program could not be continued. After an extensive search a courier service, used by the public libraries, was selected as a replacement. The courier provided the GIL Express system with a reliable mode of transporting books for a flat fee. Books are still sent out Monday through Friday and generally take 2-3 days to arrive at the borrowing institution.

The GALILEO initiative maintains GIL through regular software and hardware updates. Future upgrades to GIL include the integration of GIL with GeorgiaView Vista, the University System of Georgia’s learning management system. In addition, the table of contents and book covers are expected to be added to bibliographic records of the GIL Universal catalog.

The University System of Georgia's Top Five Lenders

USG Lending and Borrowing Statistics

MCG Lending and Borrowing Statistics

Gil Express Institutions

MCG Requests by Patron Type