Page 139 - DLIS105_REFERENCE_SOURCES_AND_SERVICES

Reference Sources and Services

Notes Inter-Library Loan Management Software: ILLaid

The ILLaid from OCLC is a resource sharing management software that helps libraries to automate
routine interlibrary loan functions. The software helps to reduce paperwork dramatically and
increases productivity. The software serves as an integrated interface for the library to handle
borrowing, lending and document delivery through a single Windows-based interface that includes
access to WorldCat and OCLC ILL. The ILLaid automates the processing of interlibrary loan requests,
compiles lending and borrowing statistics, provides financial tracking for lending and borrowing
and delivers articles and other documents electronically. It even notifies users when requests are
fulfilled. Moreover, users can submit and track their own requests via the Web.

Other Services
The OCLC’s digitisation, microfilm and archival services are designed to protect and share collections
for their members. The OCLC has infrastructure and skilled staff at their preservation centres. The
OCLC’s collection development services can assess the strengths and gaps of collection available in
the libraries if a member institution using their analysis tools.

Discuss briefly about the services provided by OCLC.

Self Assessment

Fill in the blanks:
1. The full form of OCLC is ...... .
2. WorldCat is a ...... .
3. OCLC was developed in the year ...... .
4. ...... is an online service that provides web access to research databases consisting of primarily
of journal.

12.2 User Studies

Education is a lifelong process. However, formal education starts at the elementary school level and
is said to be complete at the university level after one acquires the highest degree in some discipline.
In earlier days, it was the belief that knowledge regarding the use a library was an essential part of
‘education-for-life’ in order to prepare the students for the continuing process of self-education. In
1926, Coming, discussing the organisation of a university library in an article in the, Library Association
Record, expressed the view that to learn how to use a library and to acquire a disinterested love of
reading were important elements of education.
The education-for-life aspect is more important today when the rapid growth of information places
greater stress on the ability to continue to learn throughout life. Students are encouraged to develop
logical, creative and critical approaches to the subjects studied. In order to do this, they must be
taught to be independent. In order to be independent, students need knowledge and skills to find
their own way.

134 LOVELY PROFESSIONAL UNIVERSITY