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



Convergence between interlibrary loan and acquisitions: can it be done?

Louis Houle

Abstract | Paper in [PDF] Portable Document Format (PDF)
Presentation in Microsoft® PowerPoint® format

Libraries are looking at new types of services to improve the dissemination of information to their patrons. One such new service, the integration of Interlibrary Loan with acquisitions and collection development, looks like a promising approach to meet the patrons' information needs. The McGill University model will be presented where a special fund was set aside to purchase books requested by patrons through ILL processes. The requests that meet selection criteria are not sent through the regular ILL borrowing channels but are instead turned into rush acquisitions. The ILL Librarian does both the selection of the ILL requests and the ordering of the books. The books are ordered through WEB sources (such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, etc.) and purchased with a credit card. Books are received in ILL and rush processed prior to patron delivery. This service has been in place for 21 months. Results on the turnaround time, the circulation of books, the average cost per title and the effectiveness of this service will be presented.

The paper will demonstrate that the convergence of ILL and acquisitions is an important service and it does meet the patrons' needs quickly and efficiently.

 

 

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