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Use case
Interlibrary loan
Interlibrary loan becomes easier when requests, processing, delivery and status updates are managed in one place.
Interlibrary loan connects libraries, collections and users beyond local holdings. Requests from different systems need to be checked, processed, delivered or forwarded – often with clear requirements for status updates, delivery channels, deadlines and billing.
Imageware helps libraries organise these processes in one central workflow. Requests, processing statuses, scanning steps, acknowledgements and deliveries remain traceable, even when several systems or delivery services are involved.
Manage interlibrary loan requests and route them reliably
Interlibrary loan involves structured handling of incoming and outgoing requests. Depending on the workflow, this may include copy delivery, electronic document delivery or the loan of returnable items. Processing needs to fit the library’s system environment, local responsibilities and the requirements of the services involved.
Everyone involved needs to be able to see the current status of a request: Has it been received? Has it been checked? Does it need to be scanned? Has it been delivered, acknowledged or declined? This transparency is essential for reliable interlibrary loan operations.
Many systems, many statuses, many handovers
Interlibrary loan is often more complex than internal document delivery. Requests may come from different sources, such as union systems, mailboxes or international services. At the same time, local library systems, scanning workstations, delivery channels and responses need to work together smoothly.
Without central workflow management, media breaks can quickly appear. Information is transferred manually, statuses are maintained in several places or delivery files are stored outside the main process. This increases effort and makes the workflow harder to trace.
When several delivery services, national and international workflows or multiple locations are involved, clear rules are needed for how each request is processed, acknowledged, delivered or forwarded.
One central workflow for interlibrary loan and delivery services
Imageware supports interlibrary loan with a workflow that brings requests from different sources together and makes processing manageable in one place. Jobs can be created, enriched, forwarded, acknowledged, scanned, delivered or billed, depending on the specific workflow.
mybib eDoc provides the central platform for request processing. It supports national and international interlibrary loan workflows, the integration of different delivery services and the updating of status information. Staff work in one interface and keep track of open, active and completed requests.
BCS-2 supports the process when pages, chapters or documents need to be digitised for an interlibrary loan request. Scans are processed, checked and handed over to mybib eDoc or connected systems in the required form.
If digital objects should not be sent directly but made available in a controlled way, mybib eL can extend the workflow. Content can then be provided through defined access scenarios.
A typical workflow
Receive the request
Interlibrary loan requests are received from connected systems, services or mailboxes and created as jobs in mybib eDoc.
Check and enrich the job
Metadata, shelf marks, holdings information or other details are added. External systems can be integrated where enrichment or checks are required.
Define the processing route
Depending on the request, the workflow determines whether a copy is delivered, an item is loaned, a request is forwarded or a rejection is issued.
Scan the material or process the item
If digital delivery is required, the necessary pages or chapters are captured with BCS-2 and prepared for delivery.
Update status and acknowledgements
Status updates, acknowledgements, queries or rejections are documented in the workflow and passed on to the relevant systems or services.
Deliver or provide access
The completed request is delivered through the defined channel or made available in a controlled way.
Document completion
The job is completed, archived or processed further according to defined rules. Billing, complaints or follow-up questions can be assigned to the request.
Interlibrary loan stays manageable, even in complex workflows
With Imageware, interlibrary loan processes can be managed centrally and traced more easily. Library teams work in one interface, reduce manual handovers and keep track of requests, statuses, delivery channels and responses.
This makes collaboration between teams easier, speeds up recurring tasks and helps ensure that interlibrary loan requests are processed, delivered or forwarded reliably.
Especially relevant for libraries with interlibrary loan services
Interlibrary loan is especially relevant for libraries that process and deliver requests from local, regional, national or international systems.
Let’s talk about your interlibrary loan workflow.
Whether you manage national interlibrary loan, international delivery services or connected library systems, we can help you clarify the requirements and shape a workflow that fits your procedures, holdings and technical interfaces.