TAE Helps Texas Public Libraries Obtain Project Loan Reimbursements

Project Loan is an interlibrary loan reimbursement program for Texas public libraries developed by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC). The program, begun in 1998, reimburses Texas public libraries a portion of their costs for providing loans to other Texas public libraries. Through Project Loan grants, libraries are reimbursed at a fixed rate per net loan.

The program is administered by Sue Bennett, Resource Sharing Consultant for TSLAC. Bennett said the more a library lends over what it borrows – called net lends – the greater its reimbursement. In order to qualify for reimbursement through the program, she noted that a library's net lend must be at least 25.

Bennett also noted that libraries don’t need to sign up to participate. "If they are a Navigator library, they are automatically part of the program. It is a net lending program, so a library must lend more than it borrows. I use the Navigator statistics at the end of our fiscal year to determine the total net lends." Last year TSLAC was able to provide 98 libraries with a net lending reimbursement.

Here's the best part. If a library's net lend is high enough, its reimbursement could actually cover the amount of its annual courier service fee. For at least one Texas public library, it did that and more.

Faye Nichols, Director of the Gatesville (TX) Public Library, noted, "Our Project Loan reimbursement for last year was enough to pay our courier service fee with around $100 left."

Asked how the library managed such a neat trick, Nichols said, "We really didn't do anything special. We just tried to fill every request to Texas libraries that we could. Our library has been a borrower for many years, but we did not lend until we began the Texas Group Catalog since our holdings were not in WorldCat. It is such a valuable resource to our patrons when we are able to borrow materials they need. We just want to help out other libraries by sharing our collection with them."

The library's success in reaching the threshold for reimbursement was helped greatly by its participation in the Trans-Amigos Express (TAE) courier service. TAE – known in Texas as TExpress – is the Amigos-wide courier service offering low-cost, rapid pickup and delivery of ILL items among participating libraries. TAE libraries pay an annual fee for service. Most deliveries take place within 48-72 hours, without restrictions on the number of packages libraries can send or the cumulative weight of those items. Although the service is primarily structured for interlibrary loan items, other materials may be shipped. TAE currently offers 2-day, 3-day, and 5-day service to more than 250 libraries in Arkansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas, with connections that extend the service's reach even further.

TAE participation helped one Texas library qualify for its Project Loan reimbursement, which in turn more than paid the library's annual TAE fee.

ILL heaven.

Texas public libraries, let us show you how being a TAE participant enhances your chances for a Project Loan reimbursement. Even if you're not in an area currently served by TAE, let us know if you are interested in the courier service. We are able to provide service to many areas nationwide and may be able to work with you. Contact Rae Cheney, 800-843-8482, ext. 2830, or cheney@amigos.org.