ILL, a dying breed or a new brand? The experience of Edinburgh University

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to examine the trend of interlibrary loans (ILLs) through the experiences of Edinburgh University Library (EUL). A preliminary study aims to consider how the purchase of one e‐journal package impacted on the number of ILL requests processed.

Design/methodology/approach

The article describes the experience of EUL.

Findings

The article finds that total ILLs, both returnables and non‐returnables, rose to a peak in 1998 and have declined significantly since then. Full desk‐top delivery has not yet been achieved, but this is in the forefront of the library's strategy.

Originality/value

The paper gives a detailed insight into the impact of e‐journals and other factors on the use of the document supply service for both returnables and non‐returnables in a large UK university.

Citation

Lobban, M. (2006), "ILL, a dying breed or a new brand? The experience of Edinburgh University", Interlending & Document Supply, Vol. 34 No. 1, pp. 15-20. https://doi.org/10.1108/02641610610649536