![[Logo:the combined regions]](/export/system/modules/org.combinedregions.site/resources/images/header/logo.gif){kind=logo}
About UnityUK
The UnityUK service is the UK’s first and only national network for resource sharing. It offers member libraries a wide range of benefits in terms of:
Functionality
UnityUK is a fully integrated ILL service for request management and catalogue
searching. The request process is fully automated and offers member libraries the following
benefits as a result:
- Accurate, up-to-date information available for every request
- Reduced turn-around times
- Streamlined workflow
- Management of incoming requests via lender functionality
“We are already phasing out the paper records in our system thanks to UnityUK. We can rely on the system to progress requests without us having to remember to check what’s happening. This improved tracking means that we need only take action if we’re alerted to a problem. As a result, we can prioritise our time to sort out the tricky requests and leave the system to process the routine ones.” Kate Smith, Trafford Libraries.
Learn more about UnityUK functionality.
Community
The UnityUK community is now working together with OCLC and The Combined Regions to shape the
future of interlending in the UK. Community events and activities encourage sharing
of best practice amongst members, development of ideas as well as discussions about plans for the
service, and include:
- Regional and national user groups
- Workshops
- UnityUK members area website
Learn more about the UnityUK community.
Data
UnityUK brings together the union catalogues of The Combined Regions and
LinkUK to offer a single unified service. Working in
partnership with the
Consortium of Research Libraries (CURL), the UnityUK
service also integrates
COPAC as a key resource for research materials.
Since UnityUK was launched, OCLC has undertaken a major data improvement service on The
Combined Regions union catalogue that had been part of the UnityWeb service. The programme
comprised three strands:
- Data improvements including de-duplication of ISBNs, removal of items that don't exist and shuffling of MARC data into appropriate fields.
- Expanded holdings with 70 complete database loads plus load of 8 million high quality British Library records.
- Improved resources for the visually impaired with data loads from the catalogues of the Royal National Institute forthe Blind, National Library for the Blind, CALIBRE Audio Library and The Torch Trust.
Learn more about UnityUK data.
Day-to-day support
OCLC provide a range of support services that help member libraries make the best use of their
subscription to UnityUK. These free of charge services include:
Training
Downloadable quick guides, manuals and training videos are provided via the UnityUK members
area website.
HelpDesk
The OCLC HelpDesk team support the UnityUK community in their use of the system and respond
to queries received via e-mail, telephone or via the online helpdesk service.
UnityUK Members Website
A dedicated website has been created for UnityUK members that offers information on all
aspects of the UnityUK service including development and data news, user group and workshop details
and downloadable training materials.
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