Now we're getting somewhere – adventures in trans Tasman interlending

Abstract

Purpose

This paper seeks to describe a decade's worth of ISO‐ILL implementation in Australia and New Zealand. It aims to background key historical decisions and the drivers for respective implementations. The paper also aims to consider a number of key issues with interoperable systems and propose some avenues of development for the future.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology adopted in this paper is one of description and interpretation.

Findings

Findings highlighted in this discussion emphasise the interconnectedness of operations, the need for synchronisation of data and the influence this has over transactions. While it is important to get the basics right, the ISO‐ILL protocol does take time to master. What we have seen develop is a user community understanding a common language and a growth in customer satisfaction.

Practical implications

This paper discusses a number of issues pertinent to the interoperability of systems and describes the solutions arrived at. They could act as a blueprint for others considering similar implementations.

Originality/value

The originality of this paper lies in the adoption of local solutions to resolve local problems. Underlying this are the concepts of best operating principles and better operating practices.

Citation

Hanington, D. and Reid, D. (2010), "Now we're getting somewhere – adventures in trans Tasman interlending", Interlending & Document Supply, Vol. 38 No. 2, pp. 76-81. https://doi.org/10.1108/02641611011047141