Automation of ILL Management Systems

Interlibrary loan (ILL) management systems are an important component in the document supply process. They manage, at a local level, the various processes associated with requesting and obtaining documents. There may be links with other component systems, such as location/messaging systems, facilitated by various telecommunications networks, and integrated library housekeeping systems, for ongoing local control. ILL management systems can run as stand‐alone systems or as part of integrated housekeeping systems. Integration can offer, via the circulation module, ongoing control of interlibrary loans, in addition to loans from the library′s own stock, using the same borrower file. It may also be possible to request ILL items via the on‐line catalogue if the user has failed to find an item in stock. Functions which can be automated include: input and transmission of requests; receipt and loan; returns; overdues and recalls; renewals; reports and reapplications; chasers; and cancellations. Systems can also provide management information and control the loan of items to other libraries. In the UK, the links to networks are used, in the main, for transmission of requests, to BLDSC via ARTTel, or via e‐mail to other libraries. BLDSC is the major source for inter‐lending in the UK, and the volume of requests to other libraries is small; however, as network links increase, ILL will become less centralized and there will be greater traffic between libraries for the purposes of ILL.