MODEL NATIONAL INTERLIBRARY LENDING CODE

This model national code for interlibrary lending was drawn up in 1983 by the IFLA Office for International Lending for the IFLA Section on Interlending. It is recommended as a model for all countries that do not at present have a national code for interlibrary lending or that wish to revise existing codes. A model national code clearly cannot take account of all variations in practice between countries. Provision has therefore been made for individual countries to include information specific to their country (see sections in square brackets). It is important to understand the research and study that lies behind this code. The following documents are recommended: i. Line, M B (and others). National interlending systems: a comparative study of existing systems and possible models. Paris, Unesco, 1980. (PGI/78/WS/24 Rev.) ii. Line, M B and Vickers, S. Principles of national interlending systems. Interlending Review, 1978, vol 6, no 2, 50–53. If the model code cannot be adapted to any particular country's needs, the following checklist may be used as a guide to the topics that a code should cover: i. definition of interlending. ii. a statement of any broad principles. iii. any other national regulations, manuals, etc that should be known. iv. verification of requests. v. location of required materials and/or channels to be used. vi. standard formats. vii. transmission methods for requests. viii. treatment of requests received. ix. delivery of requested material. x. loan periods, return of material, renewals. xi. responsibility for loss or damage. xii. charges and payment procedures. xiii. statistics.