Accurate information in your DOCLINE Library Profile is essential for DOCLINE to perform most efficiently. Particularly important is an up to date Automated Routing Table that includes your library groups and preferred lenders. Please review and update Routing Tables annually.
To update your Routing Table in DOCLINE, do the following:
- From the DOCLINE main menu, select Libraries
- Select Manage Library
- The Library Profile page displays.
- Scroll down to Borrow Information.
- Click to expand the Automated Routing Table section.
- Click Edit button to check or uncheck cells -OR- Click the Routing Table Management button to update Routing Table lenders.
Some actions to consider when reviewing your Routing Table:
Delete closed or non-participant libraries
The DOCLINE routing algorithm skips closed (or any inactive) libraries, but removing them frees cells for active lenders. In order to promote awareness of lender library status among borrowers, closed and non-participant libraries are not deleted automatically by the system. They are labeled "Closed" or "Non-Participant" in your routing table.
Add your Library Groups
Adding library groups frees you from individually placing group members in your routing table and automatically keeps the routing table current if library group membership changes. Additionally, placing a large library group, e.g., FreeShare, into your Routing Table widens the available pool of libraries to which a request may route. Contact your DOCLINE Coordinator about your Library Group memberships.
The routing algorithm is random, so NLM recommends placing a library group alone in a cell. Borrowers can also add individual preferred libraries from a group in a lower numbered cell. A request would only route to the library once.
Evaluate lender performance
Determine which lenders already in your Routing Table have provided the best service by reviewing their Lender Performance Statistics -- Fill Rate and Days to Process ("turnaround time") from the previous month -- in their Library Profiles. Consider deleting libraries with a low fill rate or a turnaround time that does not meet your users' expectations unless the library fills a particular collection or service need.
Evaluate lender service and delivery methods
Ensure that lenders in your Routing Table offer the services you currently need; libraries change service offerings over time. Review your lending partners to see if they still offer Rush or Urgent Patient Care or EFTS billing. Make sure the lenders also offer your preferred delivery methods. DOCLINE will not send your requests to lenders that do not offer your selected delivery method(s), or who do not match your service preferences, so ensure that the lenders in your routing table match your Borrowing preferences. You can look up and review your existing lenders in Libraries Search, and also find new lending partners.
Consider designated cells
Most routing tables are constructed based on cost and affiliation; the lower numbered cells are populated with free or low cost lenders, as well as those with reciprocal agreements or in library groups or hospital systems with the borrower. However, some libraries may choose to keep a cell or cells exclusively populated with libraries on the opposite coast for early or late in the day requesting. These ‘geographic' cells should be deselected by default, then selected when needed while deselecting all ‘normal' routing cells.
Get advice from your DOCLINE Coordination Office
The DOCLINE Coordinators can provide assistance and guidance on how best to structure Routing Tables given DOCLINE functionality and best practices. They can also assist you with identifying potential lending partners.
Completing your Routing Table modifications
Remember to click Update to save the changes you have to a Routing Cell.