RapidILL: an enhanced, low cost and low impact solution to interlending

Abstract

Purpose

The paper aims to provide an overview of the RapidILL requesting system and describes its operation and the benefits derived by its users, including significant cost savings through elimination of various fees, expedited processing, maximum use of a library's own print and electronic journal holdings, and dramatic reductions in the amount of staff time required for processing interlibrary loan requests.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper takes the form of a general review and is written by developers with first‐hand knowledge of how the system works.

Findings

Libraries participating in RapidILL experience significant savings in both cost and staff time as a result of functionality built into the system.

Practical implications

Over 200 libraries currently use the RapidILL system, both in the USA and beyond its borders.

Originality/value

This paper provides extensive information on the functionality of the RapidILL system but also will be of interest to libraries that use other interlibrary loan systems.

Citation

Delaney, T.G. and Richins, M. (2012), "RapidILL: an enhanced, low cost and low impact solution to interlending", Interlending & Document Supply, Vol. 40 No. 1, pp. 12-18. https://doi.org/10.1108/02641611211214233