Seven degrees of interlibrary lending

Abstract

Purpose

In September 2011 the authors presented a paper at the IFLA Interlending & Document Supply Conference in Chicago, Illinois, USA, which focused on resource sharing in the digital age. Following that, the authors felt a need to further challenge and/or validate some of the conclusions drawn: the aim of this paper is to do that.

Design/methodology/approach

The best way, in the authors' opinion, was to talk with thought leaders in resource sharing, interviewing each one to see what trends and concerns would emerge. The goal of the interviews was to ascertain: changes over the last five years; current trends and impacts; and future trends and possible effects.

Findings

While the result of these interviews is anecdotal, it did allow the authors to draw some conclusions worthy of librarians’ consideration as to the current and future state of resource sharing.

Originality/value

This paper gives a good overview of key issues libraries are facing with resource sharing and document delivery services.

Citation

Birch, K.J., Goldner, M. and Parson, K.N. (2013), "Seven degrees of interlibrary lending", Interlending & Document Supply, Vol. 41 No. 1, pp. 12-17. https://doi.org/10.1108/02641611311313034