8th Interlending and Document Supply International Conference, Canberra Australia 28-31 October 2003
 



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 [PDF] 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.

 

 

 
  National Library of Australia Australian Library and Information Association International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions