Beyond the photocopy machine: document delivery in a hybrid library environment
Abstract
Document delivery bridges the gap between where the customer is and where the document is. Libraries have to offer user‐friendly access to hybrid collections, and design and implement document delivery mechanisms from paper originals to provide a seamless integration between delivery from electronic and paper articles. Apart from improved service, a document delivery service provider could benefit internally from rationalising and automating the logistics of the delivery process. This article analyses the document delivery process, starting by defining five requirements for document delivery. By looking at document delivery from both the customer’s and the organisation’s perspective, the real needs of the customer are defined. From a basic distinction between the “search and find” function and the “order and receive” functions, the internal logistics of document delivery are analysed. The DocUTrans document delivery concept and system as used in Delft show how its implementation improves the whole system. The analysis itself can be highly beneficial.
Keywords
Citation
Dekker, R. and Waaijers, L. (2001), "Beyond the photocopy machine: document delivery in a hybrid library environment", Interlending & Document Supply, Vol. 29 No. 2, pp. 69-75. https://doi.org/10.1108/02641610110386056
Publisher
:MCB UP Ltd
Copyright © 2001, MCB UP Limited