Exploring the future of interlibrary loan: generalizing the experience of the University of Virginia, USA

Abstract

Purpose -The purpose of this paper is to share opinions about where the future of Interlibrary Loan could go by discussing new methods of providing service to users. These methods include the expansion of arenas in which requests are searched, and several purchase-on-demand options. Design/methodology/approach -The authors describe a framework in which resource sharing transactions are placed within four domains: free, buy, borrow, and rent. New methods of filling requests are discussed within this framework. Findings -In this climate of constant change there are risks involved with libraries integrating a new company or service into a workflow. Factors such as reliability and stability, user expectations, cost, and license terms and provisions are important to consider. Also, the time it takes for staff to learn new tasks must also be evaluated. Staff should be encouraged to evaluate these factors, balancing them in a cost-benefit framework and strategy, with a focus on ensuring library user satisfaction. Exploring how alternative sources can adapt to a request system, including billing infrastructure is fundamental to the future of resource sharing. Originality/value -This article is useful for interlibrary loan staff who want to expand their current services or revise their borrowing/lending workflows.

A survey of interlibrary loans at Rud‐‐er Bošković Institute Library, Croatia, 2003‐2008

“…Other similar surveys have shown about the same delivery time (Jackson, 2004;Reighart and Oberlander, 2008). Figure 8 shows the trend in average delivery time.…”

Predicting demand for inter-library loan requests

“…Such acquisitions guarantee at least one circulation, and research studies show they circulate even more than the one's purchased through "just-in-case" or the traditional method. Most of these purchases fall in the social sciences and humanities areas (Schroeder, 2012;Mak, 2011Mak, , 2012Booth and O'Brien, 2011;Wilson-Higgins, 2011;Alder, 2007;Perdue and Van Fleet, 1999;Walsh and Walsh, 2009;Foss, 2007;Reighart and Oberlander, 2008;Allen et al, 2003).…”

Finding Free and Open Access Resources: A Value-Added Service for Patrons

“…also believe these alternative sources are essential to the future of resource sharing (Reighart & Oberlander, 2008).…”