International borrowing: roads less traveled
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to highlight the characteristics of the bibliographic discovery and delivery processes that can either facilitate or impede attempts to borrow materials from overseas libraries. The experiences described represent the perspective of a typical Interlibrary Loan (ILL) practitioner in the USA.
Design/methodology/approach
The author draws on his own personal experience with interlibrary borrowing at a major private university research library in the USA.
Findings
From a US perspective, the ideal means of obtaining materials from overseas libraries is to locate a potential supplier in Online Computer Library Center (OCLC) WorldCat and use the same system to manage the entire ILL request process. Large union catalogs such as the Karlsruhe Virtual Catalogue are suitable alternatives, as are services specializing in publications from certain countries or regions such as the East Asian Gateway Service or the Global ILL Framework (GIF). The least desirable option is to search and request materials directly through an individual library’s Web site, although the experience can be greatly enhanced through the use of well-designed English language interfaces, easy payment options such as International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) vouchers or credit cards and electronic delivery whenever possible.
Originality/value
This article would be of value for any ILL practitioners in the USA who are involved in borrowing or would like to borrow materials from overseas libraries.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
© Kenneth Kinslow, 2014. This paper was originally presented at the 13th IFLA Interlending and Document Supply Conference, in Beijing, China, October 16-18, 2013, published with the kind permission of IFLA. www.ifla.org/. Articles published by Emerald which have their origins in an IFLA project are made freely accessible nine months after official publication. For permission to reuse this article, please contact the copyright holder.
Citation
J. Kinslow, K. (2014), "International borrowing: roads less traveled", Interlending & Document Supply, Vol. 42 No. 2/3, pp. 115-119. https://doi.org/10.1108/ILDS-01-2014-0007
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2014, Authors