What is VALNet?

VALNet is a consortium of nearly 50 public and school libraries in North Central Idaho and Southeastern Washington. Its ILS [integrated library system] is managed by ByWater Solutions using Koha, an open-source system.  VALNet member libraries are governed by a Board of Directors. Operational procedures are determined by the directors in coordination with Circulation, Cataloging, Sys Admin, and other committees made up of representatives from various VALNet libraries.

What is OPAC?

OPAC stands for Online Public Access Catalog, and is a term common to libraries.   It's what the patrons use when they go online and search our catalog, place holds, manage their account, etc.  It's important to know that the OPAC looks and works differently from the staff side of Koha.  More...        Have a look.

What's Koha?  What's Bywater Solutions?

Koha is our open-source library software, i.e., the product. 
Bywater Solutions is the company that manages it for us.  They provide tech support, tutorials, webinars, and other info. 

VALNet Committees - whom to contact with questions

Circulation, Bib Standards (Cataloging), and Sys Admin committees have been established by the board of directors and are made up of representatives from member libraries.  Each committee meets to address issues as needed, to share knowledge and experience.  They also serve as a support system for staff throughout VALNet.  Each library is assigned a person on each committee they can contact with questions or problems.  Find your library's contacts on the committee tabs or click here.

Questions or comments about this website?  Please contact us.