ReShare believes that open standards and collaboration are the keys to progress in resource sharing, and it’s always inspiring to see new models take shape around the world. We’re particularly excited about the approach outlined in “How Australia Built a Standards-Based National Lending Network” in Katina Magazine, written by Allen Jones (Senior Director of Digital Libraries and Technical Services at the New School and ReShare SME co-convener) and Sae Ra Germaine (Deputy CEO of CAVAL and ReShare Product Committee member).
The article tells the story of Australia’s move towards a “network of networks”, breaking traditional boundaries and connecting libraries across sectors using standards like ISO 18626. This piece is worth a read in full to understand the full architecture, but two highlights stand out for ReShare:
- ReShare as the Backbone for National Resource Sharing
Australia chose Project ReShare as the backbone for Trove’s national resource sharing infrastructure, enabling hundreds of partner institutions to exchange requests on open, standards-based technology. By connecting academic networks and all Trove members through ReShare and IDS Network’s CrossLink, libraries aren’t limited by vendor platforms.
- Seamless Interoperability Powered by Standards
The project demonstrates real interoperability in action. When a library can’t find an item locally, the system sends the request to another supplying network using ISO 18626. No manual request-reentry, no “throwing requests over the wall.” It’s seamless and exactly the kind of standards-driven library future ReShare is committed to making possible everywhere.
Australia’s journey shows what’s possible when national infrastructure, vendors, and open-source communities come together for transparent resource sharing. We’re proud to be part of this movement and eager to help even more libraries make this vision a reality.