Pa Chih Lien Inter-library Cooperation Association
Members: Tatung University, Chinese Culture University, Taipei University of Marine Technology, Soochow University, MacKay Medical College (MacKay Medical University), National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei National University of the Arts, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, Shih Chien University, University of Taipei, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Ming Chuan University, and Takming University of Science and Technology—thirteen university and medical institution libraries in total (listed in the order of stroke count of the institutions’ Chinese names).
Origins
Chinese Culture University, Soo Chow University, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Ming Chuan University and Shih Chien University are located in Shihlin, which was called “PATTSIRAN” by the Pingpu Tribe in the past and translated into “Pa Chih Lan” by Han Chinese people. This place was also called “Pa Chih Lan Lin” due to the many woods in the area and renamed as “Pa Chih Lin” in the 6th year of the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty. Later generations called it “Shihlin”, for the many scholars here. The Lien of “Pa Chih Lien” means union and connection, which is also the mission of this organization.;
Pa Chih Lien Inter-library Cooperation Association was established by the presidents of the originating universities: Chinese Culture University, Tsai-Mei Lin; Soochow University, Yuan-Tsun Liu; National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Sien-Shih Chang; Ming Chuan University, Teh-Ming Pao; and Shih Chien University, Hsi-Ching-Fang on January 13, 1998, as the first regional university library consortium in Taiwan.
Taipei Veterans General Hospital-Medical Library, Takming College and Tatung University jointed the Association on May 5, 2004, increasing total members to eight. On June 16, 2004, the Association made the resolution to provide 20 library cards for exchange. At the first 2010 Library Deans’ Meeting held on January 21, 2010, the addition of the Taipei University of Marine Technology Library as a member was discussed and approved, and it was further agreed to invite the National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences Library and the Taipei National University of the Arts Library to join.
At the first Directors’ Meeting of 2012 held on February 14, 2012, it was further agreed to invite the University of Taipei. In April 2021, the MacKay Medical College Library joined the organization. At present, the Pa Chih Lien Inter-library Cooperation Association consists of libraries from thirteen universities and medical institutions.
The activities of this organization include providing interlibrary loan services in accordance with relevant regulations, assigning staff to participate in training activities hosted by member institutions, jointly supporting themed exhibitions, and sharing practical information among libraries. A convener is appointed on a rotating basis, and at least one Deans’ Forum or one staff practical exchange session is held each year. Through these professional exchanges, the Association aims to strengthen interlibrary relationships, complement library resources, and enhance professional effectiveness.
A. Service Mission:
Pa Chih Lien Inter-library Cooperation Association is established to enhance collaboration between the libraries, which includes those of Tatung University, Chinese Culture University, Taipei University of Marine Technology, Soochow University, MacKay Medical College (MacKay Medical University), National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei National University of the Arts, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, Shih Chien University, University of Taipei, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Ming Chuan University, and Takming University of Science and Technology (listed in the order of stroke count of the institutions’ Chinese names), a total of 13 members. This partnership allows reciprocal borrowing and copying, which achieves the goal of resource sharing.
B. Procedures for Reciprocal Borrowing and Copying:
- Each cooperating library offers 20 library cards; each library card permits the borrower to borrow five books for up to 21 days; renewals and reservations are not allowed.
- Faculty members, staff members and students participating in the cooperative organization are permitted to borrow books in cooperating libraries via library cards.
- The faculty members and students of member institutions may use Nationwide Document Delivery Service (NDDS) to copy or fax material of A4 size, with a maximum of 5 pages, and Arial maximum of 40 pages without service charge; the cost is 2 NTD per page. Please follow the procedures for copying and printing material of each cooperating library.
C. Notices for Reciprocal Borrowing:
- Borrowers from each university must abide by other libraries’ regulations; otherwise, borrowers’ rights will be cancelled.
- Borrowers must take good care of the books; if borrowers destroy or lose books, the case will be dealt with in accordance with relevant regulations in participating libraries.
- If borrowers lose library cards, they should notify the unit where the original application for the card was made. If the card is used for malicious purposes before the unit is notified, the unit which issued the card will deal with the problem.
- Overdue notices will not be issued to individuals. If books more than two months overdue cannot be traced, the unit which issued the card will deal with the problem in accordance with the library regulations of the institution from which the book was borrowed.
- If borrowed books are urgently needed, the library may request books to be returned at any time.
- Students should check their borrowing record with the Inter-library Cooperation Association before leaving their institutions. Otherwise it will not be possible to go through procedures to leave their institutions.
- Borrowers should abide by relevant regulations of copyright.