Emerald | Interlending & Document Supply

Resource sharing in a cloud computing age

Matt Goldner, Katie Birch — 2012-02-17 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the historical development of interlibrary loan, identify key milestones such as the codification of ILL practices and development of new technologies to facilitate those practices, and assess the impact that changes in technology and publishing are having upon resource sharing in the digital age. Design/methodology/approach – The authors conduct an extensive historical review of global developments in resource sharing and then conduct a PEST analysis of societal factors affecting present day resource sharing. Findings – Resource sharing continues to grow but there is a need to work together to find solutions to problems of distributed knowledge bases, incompatible systems, and electronic formats which often prohibit sharing of materials between libraries. Librarians must work with publishers, politicians, and systems developers to ensure that there is the same or equivalent rights to electronic materials as there is to print publications and that resource sharing systems can support new models of sharing and acquiring materials in multiple formats. Originality/value – This paper provides a global perspective on the challenges of library resource sharing in the digital age.

RapidILL: an enhanced, low cost and low impact solution to interlending

Thomas G. Delaney, Micheal Richins — 2012-02-17 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – The paper aims to provide an overview of the RapidILL requesting system and describes its operation and the benefits derived by its users, including significant cost savings through elimination of various fees, expedited processing, maximum use of a library's own print and electronic journal holdings, and dramatic reductions in the amount of staff time required for processing interlibrary loan requests. Design/methodology/approach – This paper takes the form of a general review and is written by developers with first-hand knowledge of how the system works. Findings – Libraries participating in RapidILL experience significant savings in both cost and staff time as a result of functionality built into the system. Practical implications – Over 200 libraries currently use the RapidILL system, both in the USA and beyond its borders. Originality/value – This paper provides extensive information on the functionality of the RapidILL system but also will be of interest to libraries that use other interlibrary loan systems.

Light at the end of the tunnel: transitioning from one interlending system to another

Cathie Jilovsky, Sharon Howells — 2012-02-17 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – This paper aims to outline the transition of two libraries from one automated interlending system (OCLC VDX) to another (Relais ILL). Design/methodology/approach – The paper provides historical background and context for the change, the transition planning, processes undertaken to ensure success, and the challenges and lessons learned along the way. Findings – The authors report that, although the transition process went fairly smoothly, libraries planning for a similar transition should build some flexibility into their overall planning process and be prepared to pay close attention to their communication processes. Originality/value – Libraries planning a transition from one interlending system to another will find this paper quite useful. Any library using either the VDX or Relais interlibrary systems will find the appendix of comparable ISO ILL terminology helpful as well.

Add to cart? E-commerce, self-service and the growth of interlibrary loan

Collette Mak — 2012-02-17 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – This paper seeks to examine the application of e-commerce practices in libraries and the effect of those practices on interlibrary loan traffic among research libraries in the USA. Design/methodology/approach – This paper identifies key e-commerce features and where parallel features exist in the discovery and request processes. In an age of unprecedented information access, instant communication, and large-scale commercial information sources, the growth of interlibrary loan among US research libraries cannot be attributed solely to cost. A major factor in the continued growth of interlibrary loan must be, in part, attributed to the adoption by libraries of standard e-commerce practices. Findings – The author's research indicates that adoption of standard e-commerce practices by libraries has resulted in a dramatic increase of interlibrary loan traffic among research libraries in the USA. Originality/value – The research conducted for this paper is original and the findings add a unique perspective to the value of e-commerce practices in libraries by focusing on the impact those services have had on interlibrary loan operations.

Streamlining interlibrary loan and document delivery workflows: tools, techniques, and outcomes

Margarita Moreno — 2012-02-17 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – This paper aims to describe a review of interlending and document delivery work processes at the National Library of Australia, the purpose of which was to develop a new integrated approach to interlending and document delivery services and to improve turnaround times for users by reducing administrative functions and improving request management processes. Design/methodology/approach – This paper provides a brief overview of business process modeling notation (BPMN) and its use in the National Library to evaluate workflows, reports on implementation of the project's recommendations, and highlights lessons learned. Findings – Good communication and teamwork were critical to the project's success. Use of the BPMN enabled stakeholders to retain objectivity when evaluating existing workflows. The new workflows and processes resulted in demonstrably greater customer satisfaction. Originality/value – Discussions of Relais ILL customization to streamline workflows and facilitate e-commerce are especially useful. The paper describes library application of both BPMN and Prince 2 project management methodology.

Going global: an international survey of lending and borrowing across borders

Tina Baich, Heather Weltin — 2012-02-17 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide preliminary results of the 2011 survey on international interlending conducted by the ALA RUSA STARS International Interlibrary Loan Committee. Design/methodology/approach – An international survey was deployed using SurveyMonkey, an online survey tool, and distributed through various electronic resource sharing discussion lists and personal contacts with international libraries. Findings – The 2011 survey aimed toward international libraries revealed similar results to those of the Committee's 2007 survey of US libraries. Most international interlending participants both borrow and lend materials internationally. Further analysis will be done focusing on barriers to as well as identification of common practices in international interlending. Originality/value – This research provides the most recent survey of international interlending practices and will yield potential methods and activities for improving resource sharing globally.

Global resource sharing from a Pacific Northwest perspective

Margaret Bean, Heidi Nance, Linda Frederiksen — 2012-02-17 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – This paper aims to describe the international interlibrary loan (ILL) experience of three academic libraries in the Pacific Northwest and analyze factors impacting the success of international ILL. The authors seek to speculate on three possible scenarios going forward and conclude with a call to action. Design/methodology/approach – The authors apply PEST and SWOT techniques, using their own institutions as case studies. Findings – Some of the most critical factors affecting international ILL at their home institutions include the terms of electronic license agreements, open access, and physical delivery costs. Originality/value – The internal and external factors affecting international ILL at these institutions are broadly applicable to all types of libraries throughout the world.

How copyright affects interlibrary loan and electronic resources in Canada

Robert Tiessen — 2012-02-17 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to discuss how interlibrary loan practice and access to electronic resources in Canada are affected by copyright law, copyright collectives, and license agreements. Design/methodology/approach – The author summarizes the current Canadian copyright laws and copyright collectives governing interlibrary loan practices, reviews the terms of typical electronic resource license agreements, describes how copyright laws in the USA are often imposed upon Canadian libraries through their various license agreements, and discusses the confusion created by these often conflicting obligations. Findings – Although the current state of Canadian copyright law creates confusion for libraries, the promise of new legislation and future Supreme Court rulings may help resolve some thorny issues. Originality/value – The paper provides a thorough review of Canadian copyright law as it pertains to interlibrary loan practices. It should be of great interest to any interlibrary loan practitioner who is interested in copyright issues, licensing agreements, and their combined impact upon the future of resource sharing.

Opening interlibrary loan to open access

Tina Baich — 2012-02-17 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine interlibrary loan requests for open access materials submitted during fiscal years 2010 and 2011 and to determine the impact of open access materials upon fill rate for interlibrary borrowing requests. Design/methodology/approach – Borrowing requests for open access materials were quantitatively analyzed and compared to total borrowing requests. Findings – During the period studied, borrowing requests for open access materials increased while overall requests held steady. As the number of requests filled with open access documents continues to rise, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis University Library is able to provide a service to users and cost savings for the library by utilizing this material. The difficulty users have in navigating the online information environment makes it unlikely that interlibrary loan requests will decrease due to the growing amount of open access material available. Originality/value – The literature discussing the use of open access materials to fulfill ILL requests is limited and largely focuses on educating ILL practitioners about open access and providing suggested resources for locating open access materials. This research paper studies actual requests for open access materials and their impact on interlibrary loan.

Interlending and document supply: a review of the recent literature: 77

Mike McGrath — 2012-02-17 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to review the current LIS literature for document supply and related topics. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is based on the reading of about 150 journals, reports and web sites. Findings – This study finds that the prices of the big deals are under greater attack than ever. Alternatives are being actively explored. A more assertive approach is being adopted to expand the role of open access. Resistance is growing, particularly in the UK, to the publishers' ability to override copyright law in their contracts with libraries. Originality/value – This is the only regular literature review that focuses on document supply.

Editorial

2012-02-17 00:00:00.0

2011 Awards for Excellence

2012-02-17 00:00:00.0