One of NewGenLib’s unique features is its support to the development of library networks, cost effectively. NewGenLib has its own model of network scenarios and this is explained below.

NewGenLib recognizes that library’s exist in many different environments: from a single library (e.g., in a law firm) to many libraries within an organization (e.g., a corporation with many branches each having a library; a university library with several departmental libraries and/or affiliated college libraries; libraries in different organizations but sharing a common subject interest such as Medicine).

NewGenLib also recognizes that when there are many libraries within an organization or across related organizations, the functional interrelationships between the different libraries can either be a dependency relationship or one where each library functions autonomously of the others but still wishes to collaborate and cooperate in sharing costly resources and services.

NewGenLib defines two types of libraries in a network : 1. Host Library, i.e., one that installs NewGenLIb on its server (Internet or Intranet), and 2. Associate library, i.e., a library that is configured to be on the network. One or more Associate libraries do not install any software or hardware; they use the installation of the Host library.

NewGenLib allows the definition of functional interrelationships between a Host library and one or more Associate libraries. For example the relationship between a University’s Central library and a departmental library may be one of dependency with respect to the Cataloguing function, i.e., the Departmental library will not do any cataloguing of its own. This relationship is defined and implemented in the network model by NewGenLib.

NewGenLib, uses the above broad model, and provides support to two types of networks: hierarchical and distributed. These types of networks are shown graphically below.

Advantages of NewGenLib Network Models
+	The Associate library uses NewGenLib at the Host library’s web site without any installation of its own
+	The Associate libraries work with one or more modules of the software as though these modules were installed only for them, i.e., they can configure parameters, specific to their environment.
+	The hardware, server and application software are shared between the Host and one or more Associate libraries
+	An Associate library, if permitted to do so, may define its own network
User Benefits
+	Access to the union catalogue and/or the online catalogues of any of the libraries on the network. Records retrieved will show status information
+	Access to one or more external databases that the network may have agreed to obtain for the benefit of its users
+	The possibility to download metadata or the full text of records, where such records are available, into their desktops.
+	The possibility to request the acquisition of new publications from their library
+	Access to their circulation records
+	The possibility to access electronic journals across all the libraries in the network
+	Improved services to both the end user and the library staff. The end user's resource base is broadened and made more accessible. For the library, reduced staff effort, with resultant savings in cost
+	Permits varying degrees of sharing as desired by the libraries in the network, yet enables each library to remain independent to the extent required. From the sharing of just hardware all the way to the sharing of practically everything--from patron records to authority files
Network configuration
This is done as a part of the Setup functions of the software. The screenshot below shows how a Host library configures other libraries to be on its network as Associate libraries and the functional relationships between the Host and one or more Associate libraries.
In the dialog above, the Host Library provides the details of an Associate Library and also defines the relationships between the Host and Associate library for each of the functions, viz., Acquisitions, Serial Management, and Cataloguing. Two types of relationships are possible: Dependent or Non-dependent. If for instance the relationship for Acquisitions between a Host and its Associate is ‘Depndent’, then the Associate library will not do any acquisitions functions. When a staff member from the Associate library logs-in, he will find that the Acquisitions functions are not accessible to him. It is possible to define if members of the Host Library can borrow items from an Associate library and vice versa by placing the Associate library to be a ‘Shared circulation’ library of the Host. Similarly, it is possible to define if two libraries in the network can be ‘Shared Check in’ libraries. This means that an item borrowed from one of the libraries may be returned at the other library.
Effective library networking
The trend worldwide is to leverage the Web to build effective library networks. We define effective library networking as having the following characteristics.
+	Collective and cooperative description of resources
+	Regular exchange of data between the different libraries in the network. The exchange is mediated by a union catalogue
+	Regular exchange of data with other cooperative networks
+	Adherence to international standards
+	Access to and sharing of conventional and digital resources through conventional as well as electronic means, and
+	Empowerment of users to use the resources of the network of libraries and beyond
NewGenLib subscribes to the above-mentioned principles; it leverages the Web and uses contemporary technologies to enable effective networking.