Comments on: MultiGrain Discussion: ILL http://www.against-the-grain.com/2011/07/multigrain-discussion-ill/ Linking librarians, publishers and vendors Sat, 18 May 2013 19:36:22 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.4.1 By: Tom Gilson http://www.against-the-grain.com/2011/07/multigrain-discussion-ill/comment-page-1/#comment-33776 Tom Gilson Fri, 22 Jul 2011 15:20:46 +0000 http://www.against-the-grain.com/?p=6070#comment-33776 I agree with Dennis that one size doesn't fit all. And I am not saying that "all" ILL departments should cease to exist. However, I would argue that they need to re-examine their modes of operation and incorporate patron driven solutions when it makes economic sense - despite requiring downsizing and allocating fewer dollars to traditional "infrastructure". Other services are having to make this type adjustment. In many libraries, reference services are no longer primarily desk centric. Library instruction, virtual reference, and the creation of value added resources like LibGuides are equally, if not more important, elements in reference service. In a number of cases, reference desks are primarily staffed with well trained students or are being merged with other service points. In short, Interlibrary Loan is not immune to change and needs to re-invent itself. I agree with Dennis that one size doesn’t fit all. And I am not saying that “all” ILL departments should cease to exist. However, I would argue that they need to re-examine their modes of operation and incorporate patron driven solutions when it makes economic sense – despite requiring downsizing and allocating fewer dollars to traditional “infrastructure”. Other services are having to make this type adjustment. In many libraries, reference services are no longer primarily desk centric. Library instruction, virtual reference, and the creation of value added resources like LibGuides are equally, if not more important, elements in reference service. In a number of cases, reference desks are primarily staffed with well trained students or are being merged with other service points. In short, Interlibrary Loan is not immune to change and needs to re-invent itself.

]]> By: Dennis Brunning http://www.against-the-grain.com/2011/07/multigrain-discussion-ill/comment-page-1/#comment-33727 Dennis Brunning Tue, 19 Jul 2011 03:00:51 +0000 http://www.against-the-grain.com/?p=6070#comment-33727 Doing reference and library instruction, I take comfort interlibrary loan exists. I’m told Arizona State University still does a brisk ILL and document delivery business. We believe the varied interests of our users and our search engines turn up valuable publications that exceed our capacity to buy or license. I’m also aware that those of us who write about technology and librarianship often don’t have the complete picture when we recommend major change. Our hearts are in the right place—change or die is today’s mantra. Many librarians point out, though, that they “get this” and have already carried out the changes that we put to press. I believe this is the case for many ILL departments and however much Tom may be right for some libraries in particular his view may be too off point for others. Like I said, ILL is a great comfort to me and others who know we can cover all bases. Let’s say a blessing for this sermon and move on. Doing reference and library instruction, I take comfort interlibrary loan exists. I’m told Arizona State University still does a brisk ILL and document delivery business. We believe the varied interests of our users and our search engines turn up valuable publications that exceed our capacity to buy or license.
I’m also aware that those of us who write about technology and librarianship often don’t have the complete picture when we recommend major change. Our hearts are in the right place—change or die is today’s mantra. Many librarians point out, though, that they “get this” and have already carried out the changes that we put to press.
I believe this is the case for many ILL departments and however much Tom may be right for some libraries in particular his view may be too off point for others. Like I said, ILL is a great comfort to me and others who know we can cover all bases.

Let’s say a blessing for this sermon and move on.

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