THE IMPACT OF TECHNOLOGY ON INTERLIBRARY LENDING

Information technology is gradually making an impact on the organization of interlending. Bibliographic access is improving but document delivery has not kept pace. Rapid developments in electronic publishing and optical disc technology are likely to change this, although cost will be a barrier for the immediate future. Telefacsimile transmission has become a quicker and more reliable means of document delivery. Optical discs can not only store information but can be indexed and searched, and would achieve rapid document delivery, with the production of hard copy for users. It is doubtful, however, whether most users want fast supply, and whether it is worth the extra cost. The concept of copyright may need reviewing in the light of electronic media. Payment will be required for every use, and libraries could be bypassed. Optical discs and associated equipment may themselves be shared among libraries. ILL departments as such may no longer be needed, because the operations will be absorbed in line functions such as reference, acquisitions and circulation, but ILL knowledge and skills will be needed more than ever.