SEAL is Southeastern’s resource sharing platform. It connects libraries of all types in the Southeastern N.Y. region—encompassing Columbia, Dutchess, Greene, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, and Ulster counties—and allows them to easily share books, DVD’s, and other resources. You can access SEAL here: seal.senylrc.org
SEAL is composed of a union catalog powered by Index Data and an email requesting system developed by Southeastern staff. To use SEAL, users search for their desired item and place a request, which will automatically generate an email to the lender. Lenders choose to lend the item and answer “yes” or “no” within the email. SEAL has a variety of functions similar to other ILL systems, including the ability to search other library holdings, edit your contact and borrowing information, and manage borrowing and lending requests.
If you are interested in joining SEAL, or would like more information, please contact Resource Sharing and Cataloging Librarian Kelsey Milner. Southeastern will provide any necessary training to implement the SEAL system at your library.
There is a libguide available for current or interested SEAL users. It includes training materials such as the SEAL manual, tutorial videos, and answers to frequently asked questions. There is also a monthly newsletter which shares SEAL updates, tips and tricks for using the system, and inter-library loan news. You can sign up for the newsletter here.
This Virtual Union Catalog is administered by Southeastern New York Library Resources Council and is supported by Regional Bibliographic Data Bases and Interlibrary Resources Sharing Program from the New York State Library.