Promoting ILL/DD within the Jiangsu Academic Library & Information System in China by small consortia

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to describe and analyse the interlibrary loan and document delivery (ILL/DD) in university libraries in Jiangsu Province, China, and to evaluate the service quality of one library as an example of how to improve.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper first describes the ILL/DD of the Jiangsu Academic Library & Information System (JALIS). It then provides an analysis of the problems in JALIS ILL/DD and gives some suggestions for improvement. Finally, it evaluates the service quality of one library’s ILL/DD based on the analytic hierarchy process (AHP).

Findings

It is found that JALIS ILL/DD can be done better via small consortia and discipline centres, and that AHP can be used to evaluate the service quality of a library’s ILL/DD.

Social implications

More patrons can access better service, and the work effectiveness of librarians can be improved.

Originality/value

This paper is helpful to librarians interested in ILL/DD or resource sharing in China.

Citation

Xi, Q., Zhang, Q., Ni, F., Cha, G. and Bao, P. (2015), "Promoting ILL/DD within the Jiangsu Academic Library & Information System in China by small consortia", Interlending & Document Supply, Vol. 43 No. 4, pp. 182-188. https://doi.org/10.1108/ILDS-08-2015-0024