Benchmarking and pondering ASERL interlibrary loan operations, 2010 and 2013. Issue 1 (2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: David P. Atkins; Judy T. Greenwood; Pambanisha Whaley
• Is Part Of: Interlending and document supply. Volume 42:Issue 1(2014)
• Page Start: 16
• Page End: 25
• Publication Date: 2014
• Subjects: Interlibrary loans -- Periodicals; Library cooperation -- Periodicals; Document delivery -- Periodicals; Periodicals; 025.62
• DOI: 10.1108/ILDS-01-2014-0010
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0264-1615

Abstract

<abstract> <title> <x xml:space="preserve"> Abstract </x> </title> <p> <bold>Purpose</bold> – In 2010 and 2013, the libraries in the Association of Southeastern Research Libraries (ASERL) were surveyed to identify benchmarks and programs to support resource sharing. Benchmarks and challenges identified generate discussions regarding programming, networking, and other support to improve resource sharing operations. This paper seeks to address these issues. <bold>Design/methodology/approach</bold> – This study compares and contrasts the two surveys using mixed methods data analysis. This study assesses ILL performance and explores the challenges and trends interlibrary loan practitioners see today. <bold>Findings</bold> – The article identifies changes and trends in consortia‐wide transaction volumes; staffing levels; campus document delivery; professional issues and challenges; and library organizational schemes. <bold>Research limitations/implications</bold> – The study did not include data from constituencies outside of interlibrary loan. It also did not include interview follow‐ups with survey participants to discuss challenges and reorganizations in greater detail. Future interlibrary loan research could focus less on operational metrics and more on broader issues such as e‐resources and change management. Mixed methods are effect tools for benchmarking and comparative case studies. <bold>Practical implications</bold> – Individual libraries can compare themselves to the operational benchmarks and use insights drawn from comment analysis to stimulate conversations regarding current and future roles for interlibrary loan. Consortia can duplicate the study to understand their operational benchmarks and their particular contexts. <bold>Originality/value</bold> – The study provides comparative benchmarks for research libraries and consortia spanning three years. It demonstrates substantial shifts in issues faced by libraries and librarians.</p> <ack> <title> <x xml:space="preserve"> Acknowledgements </x> </title> <p>The authors thank their colleagues who participated in ASERL's original 2010 survey William Gee, East Carolina University; Kristine Shrauger, University of Central Florida; and Shirley Thomas, Virginia Commonwealth University. The authors also extend a special word of thanks to ASERL Director John Burger for his work on both surveys and support in completing this project.</p> </ack> </abstract>