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1 – 10 of 34Hilary H. Thompson, Kurt Munson and James B. Harper
The purpose of this paper is to share the results of the 2019 international interlending survey conducted by the American Library Association, Reference and User Services…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to share the results of the 2019 international interlending survey conducted by the American Library Association, Reference and User Services Association (RUSA), Sharing and Transforming Access to Resources Section (STARS) International Interlibrary Loan (ILL) Committee, the fourth such survey conducted by this group since 2007.
Design/methodology/approach
Committee members developed the survey instrument and collected data in Qualtrics. Questions from the 2015 and 2011 instruments were reused to support longitudinal data analysis, and new questions related to improving the sharing of resources across borders were added. The survey was distributed to libraries worldwide via multiple methods, and translations in six of the seven official International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions languages were provided.
Findings
Results reveal challenges to engaging in global resource sharing in the areas of discovery and request methods, policies and service models, copyright and licensing, delivery and payment. Strategies to overcome these challenges, as informed by both the survey results and recent literature, are shared. Reinforcing each other, these independently and organically developed solutions illustrate ways to further advance ILL.
Practical implications
The findings can aid ILL practitioners and the organizations to which they belong in improving the sharing of resources across borders. By optimizing this service, libraries can better support researchers in a globalized environment.
Originality/value
The 2019 RUSA STARS survey is the first survey on the topic of international ILL to offer multiple translations complimenting global distribution. It contributes to the literature by offering a broad and updated perspective on current international ILL practices, challenges impeding the sharing of library materials abroad and possible solutions.
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International interlibrary loan remains a persistent and sometimes vexing topic in US libraries. Technology's advance allows libraries and library users to easily identify…
Abstract
Purpose
International interlibrary loan remains a persistent and sometimes vexing topic in US libraries. Technology's advance allows libraries and library users to easily identify resources from across the globe. This ease of discovery belies the difficulty of delivery. To contribute to the conversation, the ALA RUSA STARS International Interlibrary Loan Committee conducted a survey of US libraries regarding international interlibrary loan activity. The survey uncovered elements impacting ILL success and failure and identified opportunities for US academic libraries global ILL participation. Issues that concern the survey's participants included communications, copyright, customs, payment methods, shipping, and language barriers. US interlibrary loan librarians seek cooperative responses to these problems. This paper seeks to address this issue.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper discusses the current climate of international interlibrary loan from a US perspective and highlights efforts to use STARS survey results to inform international ILL programs and best practices.
Findings
To expand international interlending, STARS can build on today's extra‐OCLC resource sharing strategies and leverage survey results to focus programming and promotional efforts. At the same time, librarians must improve communications and foster international resource sharing communities which contributes to the international dialog essential for interlending success.
Originality/value
The paper presents a new initiative from the major professional association for North American librarians dedicated to resource sharing.
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Gail Wanner, Anne Beaubien and Michelle Jeske
The purpose of this article is to describe innovations in resource sharing in the US library community with an international perspective.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this article is to describe innovations in resource sharing in the US library community with an international perspective.
Design/methodology/approach
The article provides a descriptive analysis.
Findings
It describes the reforms that need to be made in the form of a manifesto. It discusses interoperability, improving library visibility in internet search results and the GET‐IT button project with illustrated examples.
Originality/value
The authors are all key figures in the developments described. The article provides important insights into current thoughts on resource sharing in the USA.
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The purpose of this paper is to provide preliminary results of the 2011 survey on international interlending conducted by the ALA RUSA STARS International Interlibrary Loan…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide preliminary results of the 2011 survey on international interlending conducted by the ALA RUSA STARS International Interlibrary Loan Committee.
Design/methodology/approach
An international survey was deployed using SurveyMonkey, an online survey tool, and distributed through various electronic resource sharing discussion lists and personal contacts with international libraries.
Findings
The 2011 survey aimed toward international libraries revealed similar results to those of the Committee's 2007 survey of US libraries. Most international interlending participants both borrow and lend materials internationally. Further analysis will be done focusing on barriers to as well as identification of common practices in international interlending.
Originality/value
This research provides the most recent survey of international interlending practices and will yield potential methods and activities for improving resource sharing globally.
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The purpose of this paper is to communicate the Rethinking Resource Sharing Initiative's goals and activities to an international audience of librarians concerned with using best…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to communicate the Rethinking Resource Sharing Initiative's goals and activities to an international audience of librarians concerned with using best practices and technology to make library resource sharing more responsive to user needs.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper provides a descriptive analysis explaining the Rethinking Resource Sharing Initiative's mission and the activities it employs to fulfill it.
Findings
The paper explains how the activities of the Rethinking Resource Sharing Initiative contribute to improving the delivery of library information services.
Originality/value
The paper provides examples of innovative strategies, programs and activities designed to advocate for, inspire, and enable successful resource sharing.
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Kurt Munson, Hilary H. Thompson, Jason Cabaniss, Heidi Nance and Poul Erlandsen
The purpose of this paper is to provide preliminary results of the 2015 international interlending survey conducted by the ALA RUSA STARS International Interlibrary Loan Committee…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide preliminary results of the 2015 international interlending survey conducted by the ALA RUSA STARS International Interlibrary Loan Committee and compare these results to those of the survey conducted in 2011.
Design/methodology/approach
An international survey was developed using Qualtrics to both gather and analyze the results received after the survey was distributed via listservs and personal contacts.
Findings
The 2015 survey’s results generally showed similarities to those in 2011 with most participants both borrowing and lending materials internationally. The differences between the 2011 and 2015 survey are highlighted as are barriers to international interlending.
Originality/value
This study illustrates the most recent survey of international interlending practices with comparison to previous studies and will yield potential methods and activities for improving resource sharing globally.
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The aim of this paper is to report on conference programs, panel discussions, initiatives, and developments of interest to the resource sharing community.
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this paper is to report on conference programs, panel discussions, initiatives, and developments of interest to the resource sharing community.
Design/methodology/approach
The report summarizes conference events.
Findings
The author reports on relevant sessions held at the specified conference, supplemented by presentations, handouts, meeting minutes, and videos posted online after the conference.
Originality/value
The report summarizes conference events addressing all forms and aspects of resource sharing and related subjects such as copyright, licensing, electronic resources, library consortia, and assessment. Issues covered are of interest to resource sharing managers and front line staff around the globe.
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The purpose of this paper is to provide a review of the most recent literature concerning document supply and related matters.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide a review of the most recent literature concerning document supply and related matters.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper is based on the reading of over 150 journals as well as monographs, reports and web sites.
Findings
The paper finds that document supply (both returnables and non‐returnables) continues to grow in the USA albeit more modestly than in the past; however globally decline continues although again more modestly. The tension caused by the Big Deals and Serial backfiles consuming more and more of reduced library budgets will increase as the cuts bite. Statistical analysis of serial usage continues with interesting results showing that 50 per cent of journals in many libraries only account for a few percentage points of demand
Originality/value
The paper is a useful source of information for librarians and others interested in document supply and related matters.
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David P. Atkins, Judy T. Greenwood and Pambanisha Whaley
In 2010 and 2013, the libraries in the Association of Southeastern Research Libraries (ASERL) were surveyed to identify benchmarks and programs to support resource sharing…
Abstract
Purpose
In 2010 and 2013, the libraries in the Association of Southeastern Research Libraries (ASERL) were surveyed to identify benchmarks and programs to support resource sharing. Benchmarks and challenges identified generate discussions regarding programming, networking, and other support to improve resource sharing operations. This paper seeks to address these issues.
Design/methodology/approach
This study compares and contrasts the two surveys using mixed methods data analysis. This study assesses ILL performance and explores the challenges and trends interlibrary loan practitioners see today.
Findings
The article identifies changes and trends in consortia-wide transaction volumes; staffing levels; campus document delivery; professional issues and challenges; and library organizational schemes.
Research limitations/implications
The study did not include data from constituencies outside of interlibrary loan. It also did not include interview follow-ups with survey participants to discuss challenges and reorganizations in greater detail. Future interlibrary loan research could focus less on operational metrics and more on broader issues such as e-resources and change management. Mixed methods are effect tools for benchmarking and comparative case studies.
Practical implications
Individual libraries can compare themselves to the operational benchmarks and use insights drawn from comment analysis to stimulate conversations regarding current and future roles for interlibrary loan. Consortia can duplicate the study to understand their operational benchmarks and their particular contexts.
Originality/value
The study provides comparative benchmarks for research libraries and consortia spanning three years. It demonstrates substantial shifts in issues faced by libraries and librarians.
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