For a complete list of libraries whose data is currently represented in SPAN, refer to the List of SPAN Libraries. Currently, the SPAN database is pulled from OCLC once a year on August 1st. All changes to holdings information on OCLC must be completed either in the OCLC Union Listing Subsystem or in your local system and loaded into the OCLC Union Listing Subsystem by July 30th for the August run. In addition to providing Michigan libraries and citizens with access to the serial holdings of records in Michigan libraries, SPAN also provides end users the ability to initiate interlibrary loan requests from their homes or offices. In addition, since searching SPAN is free , use of the database will help encourage regional resource sharing and will save libraries OCLC Union Listing Subsystem searching, display holdings, and telecommunications charges.
Additional money is saved as libraries begin to cancel their existing group serials lists.
The introduction of end-user initiated ILL requests in both SPAN and FirstSearch gives Michigan citizens unprecedented access to information found in the state's libraries. Next, if you are an OCLC library, key in your unique UserID and Password and click on the Logon as button. If you do not use the OCLC ILL Subsystem to perform interlibrary loan, you can logon with the supplied defaults by clicking the Logon as button. There are NO search charges, no display holdings charges, and no connect time charges. The only charges are the charges you currently pay for access to the Internet.