First review of ILRS code
First review of ILRS code Keywords:Standards, Codes of practice, Interlending
Following its successful launch in January 2001, the Interlibrary Resource Sharing (ILRS) code has been taken up by the majority of Australian libraries,according to the entries in the ILRS Directory. Core, priority, rush and express have become standard terminology in interlibrary loan and document delivery units around Australia. The code improves services to patrons by setting agreed service levels and recommended prices. Agreement on service levels is crucial in making the Australian interlending system efficient and effective.
The National Resource Sharing Working Group (NRSWG) developed the code in consultation with the Australian library community, and the NRSWG is reviewing the code now in the light of day-to-day use to see what changes would make the code even easier to use for all Australian libraries.
Two relatively minor changes are being considered. The first is to make Ariel, in addition to fax, a default delivery method for copies delivered under the rush and express services. This is already the case for the priority service, but only fax is mentioned for rush and express. The change will allow suppliers to choose between fax and Ariel where the requestor has the Ariel receiving software. The default delivery method applies when no delivery method is specified in a request, allowing the supplier to send the item without having to query which delivery method to use.
The second is to recommend a delivery price of $9.90 for the loan of items up to 3kg by express post or equivalent, with the price for heavier items to be negotiated. Express post or equivalent is the default delivery method for loans under the priority, rush and express services. Currently the code says that the charge for express post or equivalent for loans is to be negotiated. The proposed change will create more certainty for libraries about charges, and allow patrons to make an informed decision about whether they want to place the request where charges are passed on. It will also speed up the delivery of an item, as suppliers can charge a standard price without having to negotiate a charge for the majority of loans.
Source: Toby Burrows, NRSWG
