Heidi Nance

The world is your library, or the state of international interlibrary loan in 2015

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide preliminary results of the 2015 international interlending survey conducted by the ALA RUSA STARS International Interlibrary Loan Committee and compare these results to those of the survey conducted in 2011. Design/methodology/approach An international survey was developed using Qualtrics to both gather and analyze the results received after the survey was distributed via listservs and personal contacts. Findings The 2015 survey’s results generally showed similarities to those in 2011 with most participants both borrowing and lending materials internationally. The differences between the 2011 and 2015 survey are highlighted as are barriers to international interlending. Originality/value This study illustrates the most recent survey of international interlending practices with comparison to previous studies and will yield potential methods and activities for improving resource sharing globally.

Global Resource Sharing

An introduction to global resource sharing A brief history of international interlibrary lending and document supply PEST and SWOT analysis of international interlibrary loan An overview of current practices Case studies in global resource sharing Selected case studies The future of global resource sharing.

In a world of Amazon, is it time to rethink ILL?

Purpose – This paper aims to evaluate the use of alternative methods compared to traditional interlibrary loan (ILL) processes. Design/methodology/approach – ILL departments around the world were surveyed about their policies and procedures for obtaining materials for their users. Findings – The survey results indicated that alternative methods are predominantly a fringe activity, while most materials are still obtained through traditional ILL processes. There continues to be a great deal of room for exploration of purchasing, renting and the use of free resources to fill ILL requests. Originality/value – This article shows that there continues to be a great deal of room for exploration of purchasing, renting and the use of free resources to fill ILL requests.

Global resource sharing from a Pacific Northwest perspective

Purpose – This paper aims to describe the international interlibrary loan (ILL) experience of three academic libraries in the Pacific Northwest and analyze factors impacting the success of international ILL. The authors seek to speculate on three possible scenarios going forward and conclude with a call to action.Design/methodology/approach – The authors apply PEST and SWOT techniques, using their own institutions as case studies.Findings – Some of the most critical factors affecting international ILL at their home institutions include the terms of electronic license agreements, open access, and physical delivery costs.Originality/value – The internal and external factors affecting international ILL at these institutions are broadly applicable to all types of libraries throughout the world.

A brief history of international interlibrary lending and document supply

In this chapter a brief and general background for interlibrary loan in libraries is given. An overview of the historical development of international borrowing and lending practices and document supply is also provided.

PEST and SWOT analysis of international interlibrary loan

In this chapter, we use two business analysis techniques PEST (Political, Economic, Social and Technological) and SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) to identify external and internal factors influencing the challenges and benefits of international interlibrary loan.

An overview of current practices

In this chapter, we discuss global resource sharing practices in the early 21st century. Tips for successful international borrowing and lending are given.

5 – Case studies in global resource sharing

In this chapter, the results of an email survey conducted by the authors in late 2010 are discussed. The survey was designed to gather information about participation in international interlibrary lending and to learn about the greatest barriers to successful global resource sharing activities.

7 – The future of global resource sharing

In this chapter, the authors discuss future trends in global resource sharing and the impact they will have on international interlibrary loan practices. Using PEST/ SWOT analysis techniques, a group of five major trends are listed and a set of three possible scenarios are proposed. The chapter closes with a call to action.

An introduction to global resource sharing

In this chapter, a definition for the term ‘global resource sharing’ is given. An introduction to the major themes and organization of the book, as well as its intent and design, are provided.