We are disappointed to share the news that 3 of the remaining 5 libraries are leaving NExpress (go\nexpress\) by summer 2017. This is likely the (hopefully temporary) end of what was a very successful 10-year venture by Middlebury into “do-it-yourself” interlibrary loan (ILL).
Middlebury College became a member of the already-thriving NExpress consortium in 2007, joining Bates, Bowdoin, Colby, Northeastern, Wellesley, and Williams. Vassar would follow as the 8th member a couple of years later. Over the years, Vassar, Northeastern, and Williams would all depart the consortium, to be followed this year by the Maine CBB group. At times, NExpress would account for approximately 20% of our overall ILL borrowing, and around 10% of our overall lending.
The library is investigating options to either replace or continue, in some form, NExpress, with an emphasis on restoring or retaining the “do-it-yourself” option. In the interim, NExpress will continue until May 1, 2017, and please don’t hesitate to request materials via normal ILL channels (go\ill\) as well (all former NExpress members remain valuable borrowing and lending partners). Our ILL staff is ready and willing to help!