Resource sharing in Australia: evaluation of national initiatives and recent developments

Abstract

Purpose -This paper aims to summarise the changing pattern of Australian interlibrary loans and document delivery, the achievements of the consultative mechanisms (National Resource Sharing Working Group and National Research Sharing Policy Committees) and issues identified for further action. Design/methodology/approach -Looks at the different aspects of resource sharing. Findings -The major themes identified for future action are the need for increased resource discovery (through the NBD), acquisition of collections (particularly with library closures), capability building (training and manuals), information on performance and an urgent need to review the ILRS Code to improve speed of delivery and intelligibility of service levels. Originality/value -From the user perspective, the ILL/DD system in the early twenty-first century is complex and fragmented. The challenge for the Australian library sector is to build on the good infrastructure and systems developed through the NRSWG and NRSPC over the past six years and to develop new models which provide easy transparent modes of access to library collections across the nation.

Sharing teaching and learning resources: perceptions of a university's faculty members

“…Open education resources provide learners worldwide with unrestricted access to learning resources, whereas repositories such as JORUM and EdShare promote educational resource sharing within and between institutions . In Australia, there is a long history of educational resource sharing . Inter‐library loan and document delivery schemes have long since eliminated the concept of a self‐sufficient university library .…”

Confronting the cost of information for a research library in the developing world—The University of the West Indies, Trinidad and Tobago's experience

“…It would also be useful to have a central clearinghouse of information on all initiatives or offers for free or reduced price information resources so that those that need this information could access opportunities more easily. Strategies for the sharing of resources amongst libraries are also well documented in the literature (AlqudsiGhabra, 1999;Chandra, 2002;Missingham & Moreno, 2005). Those charged with providing access to needed research information in developing countries must employ many strategies to keep abreast of opportunities for reducing cost and increasing access.…”

Perspectives on university library automation and national development in Uganda

“…As library users are inspired to read, learn, complete assignments, reflect and think, this impact can be felt even on the national level. Missingham and Moreno (2005: 32) allude to this fact that national development needs to involve all sectors of a nation. Players in national development have to put platforms like ILSs which allow all-inclusive participation and resource sharing on local and international networks.…”