This book is written for those librarians newly assigned to interlibrary loan (ILL) and document delivery responsibilities. It also provides best practices modified for a one‐person ILL service. It provides examples of ILL policies and procedures, affordable technologies to supply said services, and time‐saving tips and hints for those who are looking for assistance in these areas.
There are nine chapters packed full of information. Chapter 1 discusses the definitions of ILL and document delivery, a brief introduction to their history, and their place in library services. Adapting and modifying existing best practices for a smaller institution is also examined here. Chapter 2 presents current and timely issues for small ILL and document delivery services. Chapter 3 looks at copyright law and regulations. Chapter 4 discusses the various national, state, and local codes that govern ILL, including the National Interlibrary Loan code for the United States developed by the Reference and User Services Association (RUSA) of the American Library Association.
Chapters 5‐7 provide guidance regarding policy development for cost‐effective and efficient ILL services. More detail regarding the specifics of lending and borrowing privileges and services are given here. Chapter 8 approaches the issue of technology solutions for ILL operations. Many of the current ILL systems available in the marketplace are listed here, along with many of their pros and cons and contact information. Chapter 9 examines delivery of ILL services when one cannot purchase one of the systems discussed in Chapter 8. Available office technology and open source products are listed here. Each chapter ends with a references section for further information.
There are also two appendices, one that documents in its entirety the Interlibrary Loan Code for the USA discussed in Chapter 4, and another which documents the Explanatory Supplement produced in May 2008. There is also an extensive index.
Anyone whose duties include ILL or document delivery, especially those new to these services, will find this manual easy to read, use, and incorporate into their daily activities. There are numerous figures and templates for practical use throughout the book.
