The Resource Sharing Community has a proud history of sharing knowledge through conferences, workshops, and online resources in support of training and development. People have enjoyed these opportunities and received various levels of benefit depending on access and whether instruction aligns with the methods they learn best. However, it is clear there isn’t enough collective actions to meet the needs. We hosted a series of focus groups on training and development to find out from participants what has worked for them, what is still needed, how they learn best, and the types of training and information that will help them succeed. This is especially true as we work through a pandemic that has led to reductions in staffing for some as well as budget issues. Information gathered has helped us identify what the resource sharing community can do collectively. We need an interactive online resource that creates a next generation level of learning and sharing. Conferences, workshops, and other events also continue to be important and can be enhanced through shared utilization of this new online resource.

Purpose – This study aims to combine the patron perception of the interlibrary loan services offered in three libraries: an ARL campus, a small private liberal arts campus, and a large state public library. The goal was to have a vehicle for gathering both satisfaction and value information for each of the services provided by a resource-sharing operation to cross-analyze patron perceptions, satisfaction and value placed on resource sharing at each institution. Design/methodology/approach – A survey was created to gather the information desired, and it was designed to be completed in less than 15 minutes. The survey wording was adjusted depending on the individual participating organization to provide appropriate text for the local patrons. However, the basic content was similar for each library. The survey included an optional field where the patron could enter their name to allow follow-up as desired. It also included an open question to capture anything else the previous questions did not. Findings – This case studies finding include recognition of recurring features found valuable to library patrons utilizing all three institutions: access, speed and people. Each library was able to identify areas of strength and areas to improve upon within their services. Each library also gained insight into their patrons’ perceptions of the resource-sharing services offered. This insight is being used for further assessment studies, as well as to implement changes on each local campus. Originality/value – This study provides insight and data into resource-sharing assessment as related to patron value. As the literature review shows, no studies of this kind have been done recently or across the institutions included: small private academic, large research academic or large public library.

This paper outlines the preliminary results of the authors' research study on one consortium's interlibrary loan and collection development practices for returnable items. Local practices and policies that appear to have affected other member libraries are outlined. The audience will consider whether this analysis identifies concerns that they should investigate with their own consortium partners.

Satisfaction and value survey to every local patron who received at least one loan or copy from one of our resource sharing services o Satisfaction, For each service we asked:  “How satisfied were you with this service over the past 9 months” with choices of “Very satisfied, Somewhat satisfied, Somewhat dissatisfied, Very dissatisfied, Haven’t used”  Why? (e.g. speed, quality, etc.) o Value, we then asked:  “We want to better understand the value our services bring to your classroom and research needs. Please indicate the importance of our services to your work:” “Very Important”, “Somewhat Important”, “Not Important”, “Other”  “Please briefly describe the value our services provide (e.g. importance to research, importance to teaching, etc.) o We asked “Is there anything else you would like to tell us about our resource sharing services?”

Purpose – This paper seeks to evaluate the impact of the Group Interlibrary Loan Best Practices instituted by the Greater Western Library Alliance (GWLA) Libraries in 2002 and to examine whether these best practices are still viable today. The authors aims to provide an updated discussion on current best practices in both GWLA and other highly effective library consortia. Design/methodology/approach – The authors use a case study approach to identify areas where interlibrary loan best practices have improved service amongst the GWLA Libraries. In addition, the practices of other high performing consortia are included to further the discussion. Findings – The GWLA Libraries found that the best practices implemented in 2002 improved service by decreasing turnaround time and increasing patron access to alternate format types. Other library consortia are also using similar group best practices that improve resource sharing. Research limitations/implications – This article focuses mostly on the beneficial outcomes of the best practices and limits discussion of the problems and pitfalls encountered. Originality/value – Readers will gain an understanding of how instituting group best practices can improve interlibrary loan service and recognize the benefit of library groups.

Purpose – This paper is the result of a small cost study of resource sharing services in 23 North American libraries. Its aim is to discuss trends that have affected resource sharing costs since the last comprehensive study. Design/methodology/approach – Selected libraries were approached for this phase of study. A pilot phase helped to clarify the cost and service definitions and revise the database which served as the data collection instrument. Findings – Immediate access to electronic items at point of use has resulted in user demand for faster turnaround for physical materials. This in turn has led to increased costs for ILL technology and shipping. Costs have decreased but continue to show a noticeable disparity between ILL borrowing and lending. The data also clearly support the perception that patron initiated Circ-to-Circ module requests have a lower per transaction cost than traditional ILL. Originality/value – Libraries have been relying on cost data that is now almost ten years old. While this study is small, the data provide an updated benchmark to assist libraries in making effective decisions regarding resource sharing. The study illustrates a range of costs which reinforce the need for libraries to investigate their own average costs to optimize decision making.

Content from this paper was presented at the Globalization and the Management of Information Resources conference in Sofia, Bulgaria on November 13, 2008. This conference was co-sponsored by the Emporia State University School of Library and Information Management, and University of Sofia St. Kliment Ohridski.

Paper presented at the Nordic Interlibrary Loan Conference October 8, 2008 in Saltsjobaden, Sweden

'Operational Effectiveness and Staffing' Breakout session from the Living the Future 8 Conference, April 23-24, 2012, University of Arizona Libraries, Tucson, AZ.