An Interlibrary Loans (ILL) module is a vital component of a library management system (LMS) enabling libraries to extend their resources and services beyond their own collections. By facilitating the borrowing and lending of materials between libraries, ILL modules play a crucial role in meeting the information needs of library members and essential for several reasons, including
- Expanding Access: ILL modules allow libraries to access materials that they may not be able to afford or acquire due to budgets or space constraints. This expands the range of resources available to members, ensuring they have access to the information they need.
- Improving Service: ILL modules help libraries provide better service to their members by fulfilling requests for materials that are not available in their own collections. This enhances member satisfaction and loyalty.
- Cost-Effective: ILL is often a more affordable option than purchasing materials outright. This is particularly beneficial for members who only need a resource temporarily.
- Facilitating Research: ILL modules are especially valuable for researchers and students who require access to specialised or rare materials.
The Libero 6 Interlibrary Loans (ILL) module enhances your library’s resource-sharing capabilities by enabling collaboration with other libraries and allowing members to request materials from external collections. This functionality provides access to items of temporary interest, rare or urgently needed materials, or resources that are too costly to purchase.
The entire ILL process, from request submission to ongoing status updates and item receipt, is automated for optimal efficiency. Libraries can customise the ILL process with a wide range of parameters, including loan periods, email notifications, and relevant fees. Fully integrated with circulation, member enquiry, and member management, the Libero 6 ILL module ensures a consistent and user-friendly experience across your library system.
Benefits include:
- External Library Search: Easily search other library catalogues directly within Libero 6.
- Standardised Tracking Actions: Status updates are automatically displayed on the Circulation Dashboard and WebOPAC Member Portal, ensuring transparency and efficient tracking.
- Real-Time Notifications: Automated email or SMS notifications for members regarding the status of their requests.
- Automatic Record Generation: Bibliographic and item records are automatically generated upon receipt of items.
- Automated and Customisable Loan Management: Tailor the ILL process with customisable parameters such as loan periods, email notifications, and applicable fees.
- Comprehensive Statistics and Reporting: Generate detailed statistics and reports on ILL activities to track performance and identify trends.
- Quick-Convert Functions: Effortlessly convert reservations to ILL requests and ILL requests to purchase orders.
- Preferred Order Sequence and Re-Routing: Customise the preferred order sequence for supplying libraries and leverage re-routing functionality for timely fulfilment of requests.
- Automated Archiving: Deleted and completed requests are archived automatically, maintaining a clean and organised system.
- Printing Address Labels: Easily print address labels for returning items to the supplying library.
- Cancellation Management: Allows requests to be cancelled with automatic notices generated for suppliers and members.
The Libero 6 ILL module is valuable functionality for any library providing exceptional service to its members and contributes to the broader academic and research community. By expanding access, improving service, facilitating research, promoting collaboration, and streamlining processes the Libero 6 ILL module fulfils the library mission for promoting knowledge, education, and community development. To find out more