Here's the press release on OK-Share from the Oklahoma State Regents For Higher Education.

From: Stokes, Rebecca Sent: Monday, November 22, 1999 8:52 AM

To: Alice Strong-Simmons; Bryce Fair; Cindy Ross; Debra Stuart; Dolores Mize; Gary Smith; Hans Brisch; Hugh McCrabb; Janna Julian; Joe Hagy; Kermit McMurry; Maryanne Maletz; Ned Bastow; Phil Moss; Ruth Ann Dreyer; Sid Hudson.
Cc: Callahan, Laura; Baggett, Amy; Simonton, Teri; Fly, Chris
Subject: News Release ... State Capitol Complex, 500 Education Building, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73105-4500

NEWS RELEASE: For Immediate Release, November 22, 1999
Contact: Laura Callahan W: (405) 524-9180; (405) 359-0762; callahan@osrhe.edu

College Libraries Across the State Now Accessible to All Students

Students, faculty and staff at Oklahoma's public colleges and universities may now borrow materials from any other public college or university library across the state, the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education announced today. Seven independent colleges and universities are also participating in the OK-Share Library Card System.

The universal borrowing program was developed by the Oklahoma Council of Academic Library Directors, an advisory council to the chancellor comprised of librarians from Oklahoma's public and private colleges and universities. "The OK-Share Card will enable students and faculty around the state to have more convenient access to the academic resources they need," said Chancellor Hans Brisch. "The biggest impact of the program will be on students and faculty who commute great distances to class or who are participating in distance learning. "Now, they can go to the academic library closest to where they live or work to check out materials," Brisch said.

Students, faculty and staff at any OK-Share institution are eligible for the program. To participate, they must complete an OK-Share card application at their home academic library. If approved, they will receive a card entitling them to borrow from any participating library upon showing proper identification.

"The State Regents commend the Oklahoma Council of Academic Library Directors for its efforts to coordinate the OK-Share Card program," said State Regents Chairman Bill W. Burgess Jr. "This move by Oklahoma's library leaders shows incredible foresight and ensures academic resources are available to students no matter where they are located." Burgess noted the OK-Share Card program builds on ongoing statewide initiatives to broaden library services, including coordination of the statewide purchase of electronic resources by OneNet, the state's telecommunications and information network, and the Oklahoma Department of Libraries.

Note: Oklahoma Baptist University - Mabee Learning Center is a participant in this endeavor. The OK-Share program was developed by the Expanded Academic Services committee of OCALD chaired by Dr. Jon Sparks, Dean of Library Services at Oklahoma Baptist University, Shawnee, Oklahoma.