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…
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.
Details
Keywords
This paper ' s aim is to provide an overview of the challenges and solutions to obtaining Russian language materials. Despite the challenges presented by inaccurate or…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper ' s aim is to provide an overview of the challenges and solutions to obtaining Russian language materials. Despite the challenges presented by inaccurate or incomplete bibliographic citations and multiple methods of transliterating titles from the Cyrillic to the Latin alphabets, many excellent sources of assistance are available to ILL staff.
Design/methodology/approach
The author relies on his extensive professional experience in locating such materials. He provides a broad survey of library collections, Russian language subject specialists, and online book purveyors who are both willing and able to provide assistance.
Findings
Locating and obtaining Russian language materials via ILL is not as difficult as it appears. Excellent Russian language library collections in the US, Russia, and Eastern Europe as well as online booksellers all provide discovery tools, delivery services, and payment methods that are readily accessible to ILL staff.
Originality/value
All ILL staff who need to obtain Russian language materials on behalf of their users will find this article especially useful.