Looking at Resource Sharing Costs

Abstract

Purpose – This paper is the result of a small cost study of resource sharing services in 23 North American libraries. Trends that have affected resource sharing costs since the last comprehensive study are discussed. Design/methodology approach – Selected libraries were approached for this phase of study. A pilot phase helped to clarify the cost and service definitions while revising 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 higher ILL Borrowing mean costs compared to ILL Lending. The data also clearly supports the perception that patron initiated Circ to Circ module transactions are lower than ILL. Originality/value – Libraries have been using cost data that is almost ten years old. While this study is small, the data provides 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 for optimal decision.