This summer, BLC reached a significant milestone in our strategic priority to position BLC as a catalyst and central resource to lead, research, assess, and manage shared systems and services. The successful launch of the BLC Network Zone—a collaborative effort between Connecticut College, Middlebury College, the University of Vermont, Wesleyan University, and Trinity College—directly advanced one of BLC's core initiatives within the newly established Shared Systems and Services program area: the creation of a shared integrated library system (ILS).
The Network Zone provides a shared digital space where participating libraries can collaboratively manage collections, share resources, and streamline operations—enabling participating libraries to access higher-quality services that may otherwise be out of reach for individual institutions.
Beyond operational enhancements, the Network Zone project has created myriad professional development opportunities. Led by discipline-specific implementation teams, library professionals at participating institutions share knowledge, develop leadership skills, and gain valuable experience in managing a large-scale, shared system.
Finally, the success of the Network Zone project sets the stage for advancing another of BLC’s strategic initiatives: incubating innovative shared systems and services that build capacity across member institutions.
The Network Zone project lays a strong foundation for exploring new processes and systems that leverage the collective power and resources of BLC’s network. This initiative will allow us to continue growing our shared services, identifying new opportunities to innovate, and ensuring that BLC’s member libraries remain at the forefront of technological and operational advancements.
We at Team BLC extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to the Network Zone project. We are deeply grateful for your extraordinary work on the Network Zone implementation. This achievement directly supports BLC’s mission to empower our coalition of libraries to share knowledge, infrastructure, and resources at scale. Your contributions have set the stage for future collaboration, shared collections, and enhanced library services across our community. We look forward to the new opportunities this opens for all of us, as we continue building on this incredible milestone together.
Acquisitions Team
Lorraine McKinney (Chair), Connecticut College
Michel McHugh, Middlebury College
Teresa Negrucci, Wesleyan University
Laura Sobel, University of Vermont
Julie Adamo, Middlebury College
Cataloging Team
Rebecca McCallum (Chair), Wesleyan University
Marlena Evans, Middlebury College
Todd Falkowski, Trinity College
Joe Frawley, Connecticut College
Hannah Martin, University of Vermont
Ellen Kaye, University of Vermont
Discovery Team
Lori Stethers (Chair), Wesleyan University
Kathy Gehring (former Chair), Connecticut College (retired)
Laksamee Cave, Middlebury College
Lynne Stahl, Wesleyan University
Molly Rogers, University of Vermont
Joelle Thomas, Trinity College
Gretchen Kenet, Middlebury College
Joe Frawley, Connecticut College
Rachel Manning, Middlebury College
E-Resources Team
Shawn Biegen (Chair), University of Vermont
Elizabeth Mainella (former Chair), Wesleyan University (retired)
Shawn Biegen, University of Vermont
Trish Lombardi, Connecticut College
Arabella Holzapfel, Middlebury College (retired)
Gretchen Kenet, Middlebury College
Kim Rinaldo, Trinity College
Amanda Fairchild, Wesleyan University
Fulfillment Team
Emily Aylward (Chair), Connecticut College
Dan Frostman, Middlebury College
EunJoo Lee, Wesleyan University
Scott Lovelette, University of Vermont
Rachel Manning, Middlebury College
Angus Robertson, University of Vermont
Systems Team
Lori Stethers (Chair), Wesleyan University
Bryan Carson, Middlebury College
Joe Frawley, Connecticut College
Stacey Knight, University of Vermont
Kim Rinaldo, Trinity College
Lydia Gentry, Middlebury College
Unique Collections Team
Ben Panciera (Chair), Connecticut College
Aaron Bittel, Wesleyan University
Deborah Kloiber, Connecticut College
Amanda Nelson, Wesleyan University
Kaitlin Buerge, Middlebury College
Chris Burns, University of Vermont
Prudence Doherty, University of Vermont
Tess Goodman, Wesleyan University
Rebekah Irwin, Middlebury College
Joseph Watson, Middlebury College
Campus Leads Team
Nathan Mealey (Chair), Wesleyan University
Fred Folmer, Connecticut College
Amy Harrell, Trinity College
Terry Simpkins, Middlebury College
Susan Swogger, University of Vermont
Shared System Directors
Andrew White, Wesleyan University
Fred Folmer, Connecticut College
Christina Bleyer, Trinity College
Mike Roy, Middlebury College
Bryn Geffert, Middlebury College