BorrowDirect new platform to launch December 13, 2022

The Borrow Direct logo, which features shields from the 13 member institutions.

BorrowDirect, the service that allows Princeton University faculty, students, and staff to borrow materials from 12 partner institutions, is migrating to a new technology platform effective December 13, 2022. The new platform, known as ReShare Returnables, will allow us to improve service using the latest library technology.

Why the change?

Because ReShare is open source, we’ll have more opportunities to customize the service as our needs change, and we’ll be able to adapt to new technologies more quickly. The new platform is also owned and governed by a community of libraries and developers, promoting collaboration across libraries and institutions and creating more opportunities for future functionality.

When will it happen?

The transition is scheduled for December 13, 2022.

What will be different?

  • A new and improved search interface, which will make it easier for users to discover and request materials in the collective collections of our Ivy Plus Libraries Confederation partner institutions.
  • A single request for all ILL fulfillment options: Borrow Direct will now interface directly with the ILLiad Interlibrary Loan application. Patrons will no longer need to resubmit a request if it can’t be filled through BorrowDirect. PUL staff can continue to work on a request even if a BorrowDirect partner cannot provide the item.

What will be the same?

  • Borrowing materials from any of our partner libraries will be convenient, with items made available for pick up at Firestone Library. Additional pick-up locations will be announced at a later date. 
  • Loans made through the new system will check out to users for 120 days.

What do you need to do?

  • Keep requesting materials as usual! The current platform will be available right up until the new one goes live.
  • Check your account for the due date of items currently checked out to you. To help ensure we have cleared as many requests as possible before we lose access to the current system, some due dates may be abbreviated. If you need more time with these items you can:
    • Request another copy of the item via the new BorrowDirect platform when you need to return the original copy.
    • Recommend PUL purchase a copy of the item.
  • Patrons will lose access their BorrowDirect history as of the date of migration (Dec. 13). Any history downloads should be done before migration (by Dec. 12). See BD info page for download instructions. 
  • Be on the lookout for more updates, including guides on how to use the new search interface, as the go-live date gets closer.

Questions? Contact us!

One thing that won’t change: PUL staff will be here to answer your questions and help make this transition as smooth as possible. Please don’t hesitate to contact us at bdirect@princeton.edu.

Published on August 30, 2022; updated December 2, 2022

Media Contact: Barbara Valenza, Director of Library Communications