Scholarly communication and co‐operation between Korea and Japan: document supply trends and services between KERIS and NII

Abstract

Purpose

This paper sets out to investigate current trends and services of document supply between KERIS (Korea Education & Research Information Service) in South Korea and NII (The National Institute of Informatics) in Japan.

Design/methodology/approach

Data during 2004 to 2007 were collected comprehensively from reports related to the KERIS‐NII document supply services, including interview results with practitioners in charge of these services. The data collected were analyzed and interpreted.

Findings

The management system of KERIS‐NII document supply was mediated (agent‐dependent) in 2004, but is now unmediated (direct) document supply due to system enhancements that began in April 2007. After the change to the direct system, the numbers of requests have increased and the time from request to provision has decreased. Therefore, the direct system has brought about more efficient cooperation and user services.

Originality/value

The KERIS‐NII document supply service is important, being the first official cooperation network between university libraries in two Northeast Asian nations, South Korea and Japan.

Citation

Won Lee, J. and Kim, H. (2008), "Scholarly communication and co‐operation between Korea and Japan: document supply trends and services between KERIS and NII", Interlending & Document Supply, Vol. 36 No. 2, pp. 91-98. https://doi.org/10.1108/02641610810878567