Things You Should Know About MNLink Org

MNLINK Org is the short-term for Minnesota's library and information network. MNLINK supports and develops technology infrastructure and collaboration to ensure fair, shared accessible access to libraries and information resources for all people located in Minnesota. MNLINK provides access to Minnesota's vast resources via a single access point. The MNLINK program uses OCLC's WorldCat Discovery to search, request, and view content online.

About MNLINK

• How does MNLINK Org work? - Place a request for an item that you need and have the system search the library with a copy to lend. Most requests are processed within two weeks, but for a variety of reasons, some requests may take longer.
• What is changing with MNLINK? - The search tool platform has been updated to the latest fully responsive design for ease of use on any device of your choice. Some features will be removed such as the ability to save searches.
• What is NOT changing? - MNLink system requesting form will remain the same. No requests will be lost whenever we change to the new design.
• Where can I get help using MNLINK? - MNLINK recommends that users talk to local library staff. If you need to escalate an issue, you can contact the individual to a central resource sharing team. You can also contact MNLINK staff via the Contact MNLINK link on our website www.mnlink.org or www.mnlinkgateway.org for system issues.

Accounts And Logging In

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• How can I get an account? - The new program will use a geographically located IP authentication service for online content. This means that if you are within the Minnesota border, you do not need to log in and search. All you need to have in order to request materials is a valid Minnesota Library card log-in.
• What should I do if I am having trouble logging in? The first thing you need to do is check the barcode number in your local library to make sure that the card is still active and in good condition. Expired, expired cards, etc. are all reasons why MNLINK rejects a card. Contacting your local library is the first step towards a solution. If you are a member of the MnPALS Consortium, it is important to remember that you must enter your password in all capital letters. If you use lowercase letters, the login will fail.
• What is My Library? - The default MyLibrary option on the login page of the PickupLocation menu defines a transaction as the location where the library card was issued. If your library card is registered in another place you normally use, you can select another place from the menu. The location of the login pickup limits the destination options to a specific set of libraries. For example, My Library limits cards issued by the Great River Regional Library to delivery requests from the Great River Regional Library system.

Requesting Items

Sending a request to MNLINK is as easy as 1, 2, or 3. With the library card of the participating MNLINK library, you can: Search for the desired material on MNLINK. Log in, select the item you want, and request it. Get immediate access to online content or get materials from your local library as soon as you arrive. The library will contact you when you can receive the materials.

• Is there a charge for requesting items via MNLINK? - MNLINK is supported by your tax. As a result, you can view and use items state-wide without incurring charges for delivering your request. Some libraries have a limited total number of requests that can be received at one time, but all participating libraries have free access.
• How long does it typically take to fill in a request? - It is impossible to know how early a particular request will arrive. Availability, popularity, and location are important factors in determining how long it takes for a request to arrive.
• What libraries provide material? - Most of Minnesota's Public Libraries, Colleges, and Universities lend via MNLINK. Each participating library determines which items are to be had for statewide resource sharing and what they may need to retain for their own local needs.
• What items are available through MNLINK? - Each participating library decides what materials they are willing to lend and what they will allow their users to borrow. Items currently in demand at your local agency are not available for resource sharing. Some items may indicate that they are available at a particular library, but that does not guarantee that they will be available for interlibrary loans. A library rents media to another library only when there is no local demand. Resource sharing has no steps to add a name to the wait/request list.
• Can I request ebooks/downloadable audiobooks through MNLINK? - Ebooks from the Ebooks Minnesota collection are instantly available with a single click from Access Online. Many libraries license Ebooks and downloadable audiobooks to their registered users, as long as the license allows.

Conclusion

MNLINK is managed by Minitex. Minitex is a joint program of the Department of Higher Education and the University of Minnesota Libraries. The State Library Services, a division of the Minnesota Ministry of Education, provides additional funding to support services for Minnesota libraries and library users.