Thesis Abstract

Abstract
The administration and leadership of interlibrary loan departments, consortia, cooperatives, and networks play a crucial role in the efficient sharing of resources and services among libraries. This research project aims to explore the best practices, challenges, and strategies involved in managing these interlibrary loan systems effectively. The study will examine the different organizational structures and leadership styles that are most conducive to successful interlibrary loan operations. It will also investigate the role of technology in streamlining interlibrary loan processes and enhancing collaboration among participating libraries. Furthermore, the research will delve into the importance of establishing clear policies, procedures, and communication channels within interlibrary loan departments, consortia, cooperatives, and networks. Effective leadership will be analyzed in terms of fostering a culture of teamwork, innovation, and continuous improvement to meet the evolving needs of library users. The challenges faced by administrators and leaders in interlibrary loan settings will be identified and addressed in this study. Issues such as funding constraints, copyright compliance, and staffing shortages will be explored, along with potential solutions and best practices for overcoming these obstacles. Additionally, the research will examine the benefits of collaboration and resource sharing through interlibrary loan initiatives. By working together, libraries can expand their collections, improve access to information for patrons, and reduce duplication of resources. The role of leadership in promoting collaboration and building strong relationships among participating libraries will be a key focus of this project. Overall, this research project will contribute to a deeper understanding of the administration and leadership of interlibrary loan departments, consortia, cooperatives, and networks. By identifying best practices, addressing challenges, and highlighting the importance of effective leadership, this study aims to provide valuable insights for library administrators, policymakers, and other stakeholders involved in interlibrary loan services.

Thesis 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