Promoting resource sharing through consortia: a case study of Shanghai Library

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the relationship between Shanghai Library and consortia in China and around the world, and examine the effect those relationships have had upon the library's resource sharing services.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses a case study approach.

Findings

Library consortia can improve and enhance interlibrary loan and document delivery services by introducing those services to new users, broadening the pool of materials available for resource sharing, and increasing the requisite skill sets of ILL practitioners.

Originality/value

Library consortia are a relatively recent phenomenon in China. This paper examines the experiences of the first Chinese library to loan its collections internationally through OCLC WorldCat or enter into the first Sino‐German document delivery agreement.

Citation

Chen, S. (2013), "Promoting resource sharing through consortia: a case study of Shanghai Library", Interlending & Document Supply, Vol. 41 No. 2, pp. 59-61. https://doi.org/10.1108/ILDS-09-2012-0030