Interlibrary Loan Practices Handbook

by Cherié L. Weible, Karen L. Janke

In their definitive new Interlibrary Loan Practices Handbook, editors Weible and Janke clearly explain the complexities of getting materials for patrons from outside the library. This collection presents a complete view of the interlibrary loan (ILL) process, with contributions from all areas of the technical services community, providingbrbull; Guidance on how to do ILL efficiently and effectively, with advice on how to be a considerate borrower and lenderbrbull; Details of preferred staffing and management techniques, showing how best practices can be implemented at any institutionbrbull; Discussion of important issues that can fall between the cracks, such as hidden copyright issues,brand the logistics of lending internationally Consortia and other library partnerships are now sharing ever larger fractions of their collections, and this book gives library staff the tools necessary for a smoothly functioning ILL system.

Genres: Nonfiction, Professional Development

152 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2011

Reviews

[John Ronald · Rating 2 out of 5]

Skimmed through and while it does provide a good overview to ILL, some of the specific references to online technology are laughably outdated. The handbook is in serious need of an update; the best chapters are those covering issues surrounding ILL, document delivery and copyright, which I do look forward to studying in more detail. For the new person suddenly finding themselves responsible for ILL at their library, it is a useful primer on getting you to think about all that is involved with transacting ILL business as a borrower and lender. But as a practitioner who has been doing ILL for the past 15 years, it is largely superficial and presents ILL in very broad strokes so there's not much new for me here except for the detailed exploration of copyright. The book is much thinner than I was expecting it to be and the price is a little steep for what you get from it. If you can consult an ebook version of the text at a library near you that is what I recommend over actually purchasing this piece of professional literature from 2011. It fits more in the category of library history now.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

A bit dated, but still a very solid handbook on ILL best practices. It helped me create a new SOP for my library's ILL services as well as better streamline & customize the process for our patrons--military personnel who have unique needs for resources that ILL can help meet. I can't wait for an updated handbook, as now new technological challenges have risen during even the past couple of years that may have an impact on ILL services (artificial intelligence, for example).

[Clare · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprisingly readable as well as informative. I do not work primarily in ILL, but I approve requests. This book was helpful in that it explained in detail the processes and options within borrowing and lending, particularly in regard to OCLC and gave me a few ideas for new resources and strategies to find requested materials for patrons.

[Jan Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yeah, riveting, I know.k Current ILL best practices though and I am learning something!