A number of other private and public academic libraries in Oregon have selected the Innovative Interfaces library automation software and have indicated their intention to join the union catalog project as soon as possible. Orbis does not replace the local systems at participating libraries nor is it an unconnected catalog. Links are established between the local catalog and the union catalog which allow real-time updating of information and transactions. The interactive nature of Orbis means that when an item is cataloged and the bibliographic record posted to the local system of a participating library, the cataloging data is also automatically posted to the union catalog within seconds. Order records and holdings information for periodicals are also posted to Orbis shortly after being keyed into the local system.
Patrons can choose to search for materials in the local catalog first.
If too few or no matches are found or the needed items are checked out, they can pass through the local catalog to search the union catalog by entering one keystroke. The search is repeated in Orbis without the need for re-keying the data. Patrons can also choose to go directly to Orbis and search for materials in the combined database. Although the circulation module is not yet available in Orbis, the status of all items held by member libraries is displayed in conjunction with the bibliographic record. Patrons can use existing interlibrary loan services to retrieve the items displayed.