A new approach towards a national inter-library loan system in The Netherlands : introducing VDX (public libraries) 9th IFLA ILDS International Conference 22 September 2005

Why? Request media via internet: –Many ways –All different –Not transparant Limited use

Why? The options of the current request service: –Reserve at own library –Reserve/request with libraries in the area –Reserve/request within the province (some provinces) –Request at WSF-libraries (via staff or account) –Request music (need account) –Request at university or royal library –Library services without request option Virtual school-library Catalogue on bibliotheek.nl Etc => One really needs to know the way

How it was patron Local Region/ province National Univ. and Royal Library (NCC/ILL) WSF13 (NCC/ILL) Provinces (Sharing LIS) WSF prov. (NCC/ILL) Public libraries ( requested) Music (CDR)

The new approach All media of all Dutch libraries for all patrons Request as a patron via the Internet Collect at your own library With your own library card

The new approach Use existing procedures and systems –Local library system –Van delivery schema’s –Local library to define request costs for patron –Clearing house to pass on costs between libraries

A new approach towards ILL National initiative started in 2003: “Landelijk Lenen Lokaal Leveren” (National Lending Local Delivery) Radical change in public library access policies New ways of sharing public library resources and working together across the Netherlands Providing a digital library service, available on-line Using VDX software (FDI) to link together all the existing public library management systems.

Steps Landelijk Lenen Search Request Locate Order Return

Search Request

Search National A-select server Badge number Local A-select server Local library system SIP2 pincode Confirm request Confirmation Patron name, Max. Costs Pick up location Title details Request form

Locate request Route table (ROTA) Filtered & sorted on: Library network (local, region, WSF etc.) Costs Van routes Load balancing ROTA VDX system Local library system Z39.50 Local library system Z39.50 title, isbn,..

Order locate Alert: item ready to collect Requesting library Responding library  received SIP2 Create temporary Record 2  shipped SIP2 Check-out print: Pick-list Ship-list 1 VDX system Local library system local library system Request1, Request2,.. Request1, Request2,.. Work queue issue

Return order  Received SIP2 Check-in 4 Requesting library Responding library VDX system Local library system Local library system request1, request2,.. request1, request2,.. work queueWork queue  returned SIP2 Delete temporary record 3 Return

Scope of the project Existing National, provincial, regional and local infrastructure: –Technical library systems (independent libraries and provincial networks) Requires a technical solution to achieve effective communication between the different library systems Administrative (hurdles) Organisational (hurdles) Create national vision on resource sharing

Approach Step by step –Allowing the layered network of public libraries to be highly involved in the process –Integrated approach of processes, organisation and ICT Related development: –Provincial catalogues –A-select

Benefits of the new approach For the public: –Large offer of titles with the introduction of provincial catalogues and a request option appearing on sites with library- services –Same request functionality available on various sites (recognisable) –User friendly and easy service –No accounts or staff assistance needed to place a request

Benefits of the new approach For libraries: –Own physical collection enlarged with the virtual collection of the library network –New service for the patrons –Automated request service by links between the VDX-system, the library management systems and systems of external suppliers Avoiding extra and double work for staff Automatic handing over of requests to system of external supplier (CDR, NCC)

Some wishes for the future Support of more materials Advanced request form for patrons Advanced request handling for staff Manage e-content –Using VDX, pilot takes place later this year

Thank you!