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



The World's best benchmark

Pentti Vattulainen, Mary E. Jackson and Tom Ruthven

Abstract| Paper in [PDF] Portable Document Format (PDF)
Presentations in Microsoft® PowerPoint® format
Introduction, Part 1: Australia, Part 2: Nordic countries, Part 3: North America

This paper will examine what is world-best practice for interlending operations by comparing the results of the benchmarking studies undertaken in North America, the Nordic countries and Australia. The three studies used similar methodologies and analyses and whilst many of the results were similar, some indicators of efficiency and effectiveness did not appear in all three studies and there were differences in the emphasis for other indicators.

Placing this in the context of the time each study was undertaken, the infrastructure and interlending culture and history of the three regions helps us come to an understanding of the generic, underlying principles of making interlending operations effective and efficient regardless of location.

The changing aspects of what makes an effective and efficient operation are also discussed and predictions are made of what will make operations continue to be effective and efficient in the future.

Some serendipitous results of the studies will also be highlighted.

 

 

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