Implementation of the Mockingbird virtual union catalog was made possible by funding from the American Rescue Plan Act. Ongoing funding for this project is provided in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
Mockingbird Resource Sharing
Mockingbird, Arkansas’ statewide virtual union catalog, allows participating libraries throughout the state to share their catalogs with other libraries and with library users.
Mockingbird provides a single point of access to participating Arkansas libraries’ catalogs. Library patrons can search this federated catalog and request their local library to borrow materials from other libraries on their behalf.
Mockingbird is not a replacement for a local library’s catalog. It provides access to multiple library catalogs to provide additional resource discovery and access.
Patrons may search for materials by entering terms in the “All Headings” box to conduct a broad search. The dropdown menu allows patron to search more specific indexes, such as Author, Title, or Subject. The Advanced link next to the search box provides even more focused search options for finding materials in Mockingbird.
If seeking materials not found in Mockingbird, contact the local library for assistance.
FAQ
Mockingbird is a statewide virtual union catalog using Auto-Graphics’ SHAREit platform. We are the 15th state to have SHAREit as its statewide resource-sharing platform. Its purpose is to connect staff and patron users to a joint catalog that bridges technologies and configurations from different integrated library systems (ILS) to increase discoverability and interlibrary borrowing and lending. It does not replace your library’s catalog but is an additional tool to help patrons gain access to materials not owned by their local library.
Like many other resource-sharing tools for Interlibrary Loans, patrons or staff search the catalog, find an item they want, and request the item. The platform automatically builds its own lender list and the request passes through that list one library at a time until someone responds and says they can provide it.
If you are a patron:
- You can search the catalog without logging in.
- You can log in with your library card barcode and pin number if your library has enabled this for their patrons.
- Check to see if your local library participates by searching this list.
- Some libraries allow patrons to log in and make requests themselves and some place the request for you.
- Find and contact your local library to ask them how you can access ILL / Resource Sharing services they offer through Mockingbird.