ISSN 1039-3498 | no. 60 | December 2002
| Copies Direct: A New Document Delivery Initiative by the National Library |
|
Copies Direct is a streamlined document delivery service provided by the National Library of Australia (NLA) to users within Australia and around the world. It results from a cooperative project between various areas of the Library and the Document Supply Service. This service is fast, secure and efficient. Previously each reading room had different order forms with different charges, payment options and delivery times. The Library recognised that this system sometimes resulted in confusion for users and sought to streamline these processes. Copies Direct <www.nla.gov.au/copiesdirect> centralises copying services offered through the different reading rooms. The project began with mapping out work processes for each reading room and identifying common elements. A single form was then developed which included provision for all the data needed by each collection area to identify the material requested for copying. It also includes the copyright declarations necessary for users to order copies online. The NLA’s implementation of a secure service allows users to enter their credit card details safely. The combination of these elements has enabled the Library to provide an efficient online service to users. Copies Direct was trialled in September and October and launched in November 2002. The central feature of the Copies Direct service is the single, user-friendly online order form which enables users to order copies of items from the NLA’s collections—articles, conference papers, pictures, music scores, audio recordings, transcripts, maps, etc. Users are still able to place an order for a copy of an item not held by the Library, and the Library will locate a source. They can also select the speed, method and cost of delivery to suit their needs. The form enables users to pay for orders online or send in payment with their request by mail. Other options for users include:
The new service
significantly shortens the turn-around time from submitting a request
to receiving the copy, which benefits users greatly. |
| Contents list for this issue of Gateways |
Please address any comments and enquiries to The Editor, Gateways: gateways@nla.gov.au