Purpose -This paper is the result of a small cost study of resource sharing services in 23 North American libraries. Trends that have affected resource sharing costs since the last comprehensive study are discussed. Design/methodology approach -Selected libraries were approached for this phase of study. A pilot phase helped to clarify the cost and service definitions while revising the database which served as the data collection instrument. Findings -Immediate access to electronic items at point of use has resulted in user demand for faster turnaround for physical materials. This in turn has led to increased costs for ILL technology and shipping. Costs have decreased but continue to show a noticeable disparity between higher ILL Borrowing mean costs compared to ILL Lending. The data also clearly supports the perception that patron initiated Circ to Circ module transactions are lower than ILL. Originality/value -Libraries have been using cost data that is almost ten years old. While this study is small, the data provides an updated benchmark to assist libraries in making effective decisions regarding resource sharing. The study illustrates a range of costs which reinforce the need for libraries to investigate their own average costs for optimal decisions.
Members of the Greater Western Library Alliance Interlibrary Loan Committee have spent more than two years developing a Best Practices model for Interlibrary Borrowing and Lending for consortia and local operations. The model includes the practices to be followed, a monitoring plan, and a process for regular evaluation. The GWLA Interlibrary Loan Committee has not yet determined the regular evaluation process, including the timeline. We anticipate that process being established in Spring 2003.
Purpose – This study aims to combine the patron perception of the interlibrary loan services offered in three libraries: an ARL campus, a small private liberal arts campus, and a large state public library. The goal was to have a vehicle for gathering both satisfaction and value information for each of the services provided by a resource-sharing operation to cross-analyze patron perceptions, satisfaction and value placed on resource sharing at each institution. Design/methodology/approach – A survey was created to gather the information desired, and it was designed to be completed in less than 15 minutes. The survey wording was adjusted depending on the individual participating organization to provide appropriate text for the local patrons. However, the basic content was similar for each library. The survey included an optional field where the patron could enter their name to allow follow-up as desired. It also included an open question to capture anything else the previous questions did not. Findings – This case studies finding include recognition of recurring features found valuable to library patrons utilizing all three institutions: access, speed and people. Each library was able to identify areas of strength and areas to improve upon within their services. Each library also gained insight into their patrons’ perceptions of the resource-sharing services offered. This insight is being used for further assessment studies, as well as to implement changes on each local campus. Originality/value – This study provides insight and data into resource-sharing assessment as related to patron value. As the literature review shows, no studies of this kind have been done recently or across the institutions included: small private academic, large research academic or large public library.
Purpose -This paper evaluates the impact of the Group Interlibrary Loan Best Practices instituted by the Greater Western Library Alliance (GWLA) Libraries in 2002 and examines if these best practices are still viable today. The authors provide an updated discussion on current best practices in both GWLA and other highly effective library consortia. Design/methodology/approach -The authors use a case study approach to identify areas where interlibrary loan best practices have improved service amongst the GWLA Libraries. In addition, the practices of other high performing consortia are included to further the discussion. Findings -The GWLA Libraries found that the best practices implemented in 2002 improved service by decreasing turnaround time and increasing patron access to alternate format types. Other library consortia are also using similar group best practices that improve resource sharing. Research Limitations -This article focuses mostly on the beneficial outcomes of the best practices and limits discussion of the problems and pitfalls encountered. Originality/value -Readers will gain an understanding of how instituting group best practices can improve interlibrary loan service and recognize the benefit of library groups.
Understanding challenges like restrictive licenses, fees to recover costs that price information out of reach of some patrons, and high shipping costs help libraries provide focus on what needs to be researched to make improvements. Successful tools to facilitate resource sharing such as the power of groups, ability to easily discover holdings and transmit interlibrary loan requests in efficient methods using standards all contribute to improved resource sharing. This should eventually help improve resource sharing for libraries in Kansas and in Bulgaria even if they do not necessarily need to exchange information to meet the needs of their local patrons.
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