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A Different kind of resource sharing: the case for a
multi-tiered approach to education and training of ILL
practitioners
Mary A. Hollerich
Abstract | Paper in
Portable Document Format (PDF) Presentation in Microsoft® PowerPoint®
format
The past decade has seen a
convergence of trends which have had the paradoxical effect of simultaneously
streamlining specific workflow processes while greatly complicating the overall
management of daily interlending operations. The incorporation of document
delivery and purchase-on-demand services into traditional interlending
operations; ready access to journals, books, and dissertations in electronic
format; the advent of peer-to-peer requesting systems and document transmission
software; and the myriad technical standards which make those systems
functional and interoperable have all combined to blur the lines between
traditional library services, resulting in the need for a comprehensive,
multi-tiered approach to training and continuing education for resource sharing
practitioners. The author proposes such an approach utilizing library school
curricula, web-based continuing education workshops, and a national mentoring
program.
Library schools must begin to
address the broad concept of resource sharing not just as a single lesson
within a related course, but as a separate term-length course exploring: 1) the
complex interrelationship between interlending, circulation, acquisitions, and
collection development, 2) the impact of recent copyright and licensing
developments upon resource sharing efforts, and 3) the role of technical
standards in the development of resource sharing technology. Web-based
continuing education courses can provide timely yet thorough updates on
specific issues regardless of a practitioner's geographic location or ability
to travel. Such programs can be quickly developed, easily disseminated, and
readily replicated. A nationally-coordinated mentoring program can provide
individualized instruction, consultation services, and networking connections
to practitioners who share similar interests, library types, or geographic
proximity. |
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