Interlibrary Resource Sharing Code

Citation

(2001), "Interlibrary Resource Sharing Code", Interlending & Document Supply, Vol. 29 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/ilds.2001.12229cab.009

Interlibrary Resource Sharing Code

Interlibrary Resource Sharing Code

Keywords: Interlibrary lending, Australia, Document delivery

The Australian Interlibrary Resource Sharing Code (ILRS) was launched earlier this year. All libraries are urged to adopt this new code which aims to help libraries to improve the reliability and consistency of interlibrary loan and document delivery services and give more choice and flexibility to users.

The ILRS Code updates the Australian Interlending Code, which was last substantially reviewed by the former Australian Council of Libraries and Information Services in 1994. The new code delivers:

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  flexibility and choice to meet varied user needs

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  clearly defined and unambiguous service standards, for example, for turnaround time and delivery method

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  a specified turnaround time for a core level of service

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  greater predictability and consistency

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  increased incentives for libraries to improve their interlibrary loan and document delivery supplying operations

There are new service standards and core principles for interlibrary loan and document supply transactions between libraries. The service standards set out four levels of service and there is a scale of recommended prices.

The Code is the culmination of 18 months of intensive work by the National Resource Sharing Working Group (NRSWG), who researched Australian and overseas interlending practices, codes and standards; consulted libraries and users; and mapped requesting and supplying processes.

The Code is available from the following Web sites:

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  Australian Library and Information Association – http://www.alia.org.au/interlibrary.lending/

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  National Library of Australia – http://www.nla.gov.au/initiatives/ilrscode/index.html

Source: National Resource Sharing Working Group