Interlibrary Loan Trends : Staffing and Organization. SPEC Kit #187 / Tammie Nickelson Dearie, Comp. and Virginia Steel, Comp.

Topics related to research library interlibrary loan staffing and organizational structures were explored through a survey conducted by the Systems and Procedures Exchange Center (SPEC) of the Association of Research Libraries. Data gathered from 82 libraries show a very small increase in the number of full-time equivalents in loan units between 1987 and 1992, with a static number of professionals and a slight increase in paraprofessionals and student employees. Lending operations are shown to be more labor-intensive than are borrowing activities. The use of students and paraprofessionals is high because of the many routine processing duties. Interlibrary loan operations generally tend to be part of the reference department or the circulation/access services department. The variety and complexity of new automated systems mean that training is a continuing requirement in loan operations. If interlibrary lending continues its rapid growth, the research library's ability to meet its clientele's needs will continue to be challenged. In addition to the survey results, information and sample documents for organization charts, and professional, support staff, and student job descriptions are included. A list of five selected readings is also provided. Flyer 187 is included, which summarizes the kit. (SLD)

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