December 2024

Looking back at 2024...

Illume has much to celebrate this year as the service continues to implement improvements to the system while facing multiple challenges. Let's take a look at the highlights.


Illume in 2024:


Filled over 72,000 interlibrary loan requests: Despite the challenges of a Canada Postal strike that started November 15th -- the 103 participating public and post-secondary libraries collaborated via the Illume service to deliver a large volume of books, articles, and other materials into the hands of BC and Yukon patrons.


New Features: The highly requested OpenILL Requesting feature was launched in March 2024! Libraries now have the option to activate patron-initiated requesting directly from resources such as EBSCO databases and EDS to Illume (SHAREit).


Improved Features: Many SHAREit features were improved this year, including the addition of separate lender lists for Non-Returnable (Copy) requesting versus Returnable (Loan) requests! Libraries that process both request types can now include geographic factors in their physical Loan request load leveling.


ISO Development: Auto-Graphics has also been working on an upgrade to support ISO 18626 for our ISO participating and partner libraries. Development has recently been delayed due to changing OCLC strategic directions, that potentially limit their software's ISO and API integration with SHAREit. More information will be upcoming in January to assist Relais and Tipasa libraries with clarifying their integration options offered by their vendor OCLC!


Enhancement Advocacy: In 2024, five (5) of Illume's software recommendations were voted top desired enhancements by SHAREit customers. And multiple other improvements were directly approved by the SHAREit vendor Auto-Graphics. The Illume Support Centre plays a vital advocacy role by collecting enhancement suggestions and broader system feedback from libraries and relaying them to the vendor.


In recent years, nearly 20 of our feature recommendations have been approved. Keep reading to learn more about upcoming enhancements!

On the horizon in 2025...

The Illume Support Centre is excited to share plans for infrastructure upgrades, new features, and workflow improvements that will enhance the SHAREit system for all libraries.


Key Updates in 2025:


Infrastructure Migration: A server migration led by Auto-Graphics, BC ELN, and SFU IT will improve security and stability without disrupting library services. The old servers will be repurposed as a test environment for previewing software updates.


Automation Optimisations: A pilot project to implement automated patron authentication and improved workflow using NCIP is nearing completion. Interested in features like NCIP, SSO, LDAP or SIP2? Contact us for details!


New Features: Over the past few years, multiple new features and improvements desired by Illume libraries have been approved and should be coming to the software soon:


  • A "My Library Owns" indicator, suggested by Whistler Public Library, will help staff easily identify owned items directly on Search results.
  • A "Duplicate Request" feature for Staff to quickly & easily create new requests from existing requests will streamline workflows.
  • A top-voted suggestion from Langara College to allow both Loan and Copy request options for each Format in the Lending Policy is in development.
  • Improvements to deflection messages (prioritizing terminal reasons) was suggested by Squamish Public Library to streamline re-requesting.
  • An improvement to Desktop Delivery (enabling Borrower libraries to receive article attachments via email) is also underway to improve workflow for ILL Staff and ISO libraries.
  • A new top-voted feature suggestion for an Invoice Sent and Paid status workflow by Vancouver Public Library is also still upcoming!


Do you have another SHAREit feature enhancement or improvement suggestion? Please contact us!


Looking ahead:


A cataloguing consultant, funded by Public Libraries Branch, will evaluate the BC Union Catalogue and recommend improvements to both records and submission practices.

Wishing you a happy holiday season!

The Illume Administrative Support Centre is closed for the holidays starting December 20th, 2024 and returning January 6th, 2025. Please continue to email any issues during this time and we will respond in the new year!

The BC Electronic Library Network (BC ELN) hosts and staffs the Illume Administrative Centre.

Questions? Contact the Illume Administrative Centre.

Visit the Illume Website