Linchpin or weakest link? Challenges to current document delivery practice and services

Abstract

Purpose

The main purpose of this paper is to generate discussion on the necessity for document delivery services to re‐position themselves, thus “adding value” within the information chain.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is empirical, based on working practice in a major academic library.

Findings

Document supply is a vital link in the knowledge chain. It is the information professional's responsibility to rise to the challenges outlined above, and to regenerate and rejuvenate services in order to strengthen the infrastructure to support research and scholarship across all disciplines, in the manner most appropriate to them. In so doing, document supply services will become a linchpin in academic and research support rather than the weakest link.

Originality/value

The paper is a synthesis of current practice, outlining current shortcomings, and challenges.

Citation

Patterson, A. (2008), "Linchpin or weakest link? Challenges to current document delivery practice and services", Interlending & Document Supply, Vol. 36 No. 4, pp. 191-195. https://doi.org/10.1108/02641610810919525