Analysis of Interlibrary Loan at the National Institute of Standards and Technology Library: lessons learned

Abstract

Purpose

The paper seeks to study whether process and cost‐effective improvements could be made to the Interlibrary Loan and Internal Document Request services at NIST.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors analyze the usage data from the automated management system over a two‐year period.

Findings

Heavy users, types of materials and journal titles were identified as well as process improvements. Anticipating rising costs remains elusive.

Originality/value

The paper gives valuable insights into the workings of document supply in a major research institution in the USA, particularly in relation to costs.

Citation

Liu, R. and Wynne, B. (2006), "Analysis of Interlibrary Loan at the National Institute of Standards and Technology Library: lessons learned", Interlending & Document Supply, Vol. 34 No. 3, pp. 115-118. https://doi.org/10.1108/02641610610686670