Project Abstract

Abstract
The administration and leadership of interlibrary loan departments, consortia, cooperatives, and networks play a crucial role in facilitating resource sharing and collaboration among libraries. This research study examines the various aspects of managing interlibrary loan services and cooperative initiatives within the library community. The study explores the role of effective leadership in promoting successful interlibrary loan services, strengthening consortia partnerships, and enhancing network connectivity. Key areas of focus include the organizational structures of interlibrary loan departments, the development of consortia and cooperative agreements, and the implementation of innovative technologies to streamline resource sharing processes. Additionally, the study investigates the challenges faced by library administrators and leaders in overseeing interlibrary loan services, fostering collaboration among member libraries, and adapting to changing information needs and user expectations. Through a comprehensive review of relevant literature and case studies, this research provides insights into best practices for managing interlibrary loan departments, consortia, cooperatives, and networks. It highlights the importance of strategic planning, effective communication, and continuous assessment in ensuring the success and sustainability of collaborative library initiatives. The study also emphasizes the role of leadership in fostering a culture of cooperation, trust, and mutual support among participating libraries. Furthermore, the research examines the impact of emerging trends such as digital resource sharing, open access initiatives, and global interlibrary loan networks on the administration and leadership of library consortia and cooperatives. It explores the opportunities and challenges presented by these developments and offers recommendations for enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of interlibrary loan services in the digital age. Overall, this research contributes to the existing body of knowledge on the administration and leadership of interlibrary loan departments, consortia, cooperatives, and networks. By highlighting the key principles and strategies for managing collaborative library initiatives, the study aims to support library administrators, leaders, and practitioners in optimizing resource sharing, expanding access to information resources, and enhancing user services in the library community.

Project Overview

INTRODUCTION

The Routledge/Taylor & Francis peer-reviewed Journal of Interlibrary Loan, Document Delivery & Electronic Reserve (JILDDER) has merged with Resource Sharing & Information Networks and is now accepting articles for Summer and Fall 2010 publication. Of particular interest to JILDDER are articles regarding resource sharing, unmediated borrowing, electronic reserve, cooperative collection development, shared virtual library services, digitization projects and other multi-library collaborative efforts including the following topics:

·         cooperative purchasing and shared collections

·         consortial delivery systems

·         shared storage facilities

·         administration and leadership of interlibrary loan departments, networks, cooperatives, and consortia

·         training, consulting and continuing education provided by consortia

·         use of interlibrary loan statistics for book and periodical acquisitions, weeding and collection management

·         selection and use of cutting-edge technologies and services used for interlibrary loan and electronic reserve, such as Ariel, Illiad, BlackBoard, Relais and other proprietary and open-source software

·         copyright and permission issues concerning interlibrary loan and electronic reserve

·         aspects of quality assurance, efficiency studies, best practices, library 2.0, the impact of Open WorldCat and Google Scholar, buy instead of borrow and practical practices addressing special problems of international interlibrary loan, international currency, payment problems, IFLA, and shipping

·         interlibrary loan of specialized library materials such as music, media, CDs, DVDs, items from electronic subscriptions and legal materials

·         special problems of medical, music, law, government and other unique types of libraries

·         new opportunities in interlibrary loan and the enhancement of interlibrary loan as a specialization