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University of Missouri Announces Consolidation of MOBIUS and MOREnet Locations

Contact: Jennifer Hollingshead
Office: (573) 882-0601
E-mail: hollingsheadj@umsystem.edu

University of Missouri Announces Consolidation of MOBIUS and MOREnet Locations

University of Missouri administrators announced today that the location of two state information technology services will be combined for an estimated initial savings of $200,000 to $300,000 annually.

Stewarded by the University of Missouri, the two state services are the Missouri Bibliographic Information User System (MOBIUS), a common electronic library platform for a consortium of colleges and academic libraries; and the Missouri Research and Education Network (MOREnet), which provides Internet connectivity, access to Internet2, technical support, videoconferencing services and training to Missouri's K-12 schools, colleges and universities, public libraries, health care, state government and other affiliated organizations.

The decision to consolidate locations comes in part from anticipated reductions in state appropriations. The Missouri House and Senate conference committee recently recommended cutting funding for the two services, reducing MOREnet's budget by $4.35 million and eliminating MOBIUS' appropriation entirely.

After the location consolidation, the two organizations will continue actively working together to reduce costs. MOREnet already provides several key support services to MOBIUS, including human resources, accounting, budget planning, intranet service and UM digital library support.

"We will continue to look for other efficiencies that can be achieved by bringing two such interdependent services under the same roof," UM Vice President for Information and Technology Ralph Caruso said. “Both organizations serve as models of how a partnership between the state and local colleges, school districts and public libraries can leverage a small investment of public funds into significant benefits for the people of Missouri."

MOBIUS, with a staff of 11 will relocate by the end of summer from 3215 Lemone, Columbia to 3212 Lemone, Columbia, where MOREnet is currently housed. MOBIUS and MOREnet will remain as two separate services, and their current directors will continue to report to UM Vice President Caruso.

Reviewed 2010-06-16