16 January 2001

Interlibrary Resource Sharing Code launched

ALIA president, Professor Mairéad Browne, launched the new Interlibrary Resource Sharing [ILRS] Code at a reception held at the Australian National Maritime Museum and hosted by the National Library of Australia during the recent Information online conference.

Professor Browne said 'library users nominate the ability to obtain resources from beyond their own libraries and institutions as one of the most valued library services. The new Code will help libraries to improve the reliability and consistency of ILL services and give more choice and flexibility to users'.

She encouraged all libraries to adopt the new Code.

What does the new Code deliver?
The ILRS Code updates the Australian Interlending Code last substantially reviewed in 1994. The new Code delivers:

• flexibility and choice to meet varied user needs;
• clearly defined and unambiguous service standards, for example, for turnaround time and delivery method;
• a specified turnaround time for a core level of service;
• greater predicability and consistency; and
• increased incentives for libraries to improve their ILL supplying operations.

Who will use it and when?
The Code has been endorsed by the peak library organisations (National Library of Australia, CAUL, CASL and ALIA) for adoption by all Australian libraries. Libraries will commence using the Code in the first quarter of 2001.

How do I find out more?
To accompany the Code there is a more detailed Guide to best practice for interlibrary resource sharing in Australia.

AIMA Training and Consultancy Services are conducting a series of one-day workshops which will assist participants develop implementation strategies for their own libraries, including processes, procedures and policies within the library, for users and in dealing with other libraries. The workshops will be held in all capital cities, and some regional centres, from late February. You can get more information and express an interest in attending a workshop at the AIMA web site: http://www.aima.org.au/.