URSUS is a partnership of the following libraries:
- University of Maine System libraries (UMSL)
- University of Maine – Fogler Library
- University of Maine at Augusta Libraries (Augusta, Bangor)
- University of Maine at Farmington – Mantor Library
- University of Maine at Fort Kent – Blake Library
- University of Maine at Machias – Merrill Library
- University of Maine at Presque Isle Library
- University of Maine School of Law – Garbrecht Law Library
- University of Southern Maine Libraries (Portland, Gorham, Lewiston/Auburn)
- Bangor Public Library
- Maine State Library
- Maine Law and Legislative Research Library
The URSUS Shared Catalogs are the largest of those linked to the MaineCat Statewide Catalog. It also serves as a gateway to digital resources, both those available generally in Maine and those licensed for use only by patrons of its constituent libraries.
Various user groups, such as Circulation and Cataloging, meet throughout the year. These forums are used to discuss issues, define best practices, exchange ideas, and provide training. Maine InfoNet and member libraries also provide technical, administrative, and financial services to URSUS.
Benefits to Libraries
- Cutting-edge library technology
URSUS libraries share an integrated, automated library systems. The system supports circulation, overdues, cataloging with database maintenance and authority control, serials management, acquisitions, and statistical reporting. - On-going technical support
Staff at Maine InfoNet provide technical support and assistance to URSUS libraries. Technical support is centralized and all hardware maintenance, backup and general operational activities are handled at the central site, rather than in each member library. - A Library without walls
The URSUS catalogs provides access to not only books but also DVDs, audiobooks, magazines, and music CDs. - ILL and Delivery
- Cooperative Collection Development