An overview of the current state of interlibrary loans in South Africa
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to review interlending development in South Africa and current trends in interlending.
Design/methodology/approach
Literature study and survey.
Findings
Interlending is still an essential service in South Africa. Interlending systems must be used effectively to ensure rapid delivery of requested interlibrary loans. There is a significant use of WorldShare ILL, but there is a scope for substantial development.
Research limitations/implications
This is not a comprehensive study but focusses on current interlending activities at some of the larger South African academic and special libraries and the use of Online Computer Library Centre systems.
Practical implications
The paper provides some historical information and the extent of current interlending and systems used.
Social implications
The paper gives an indication of the value of interlending in South Africa and its contribution to information provision.
Originality/value
The paper provides a snapshot of interlending in South Africa and areas for development.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to express their gratitude to Ros Hattingh, Managing Director of Sabinet, for the distribution of the questionnaire via the Sabinet Listserve and making available South African interlending statistics and to Tony Melvyn from OCLC for making available the statistics on the use of WorldShare ILL by South African Libraries.
Citation
Raubenheimer, J. and van Niekerk, J.S. (2015), "An overview of the current state of interlibrary loans in South Africa", Interlending & Document Supply, Vol. 43 No. 2, pp. 76-83. https://doi.org/10.1108/ILDS-02-2015-0005
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2015, Emerald Group Publishing Limited