We See a Rainbow: Resource Sharing and Reference Services Working Together

Abstract

The University of Massachusetts Boston, Joseph P. Healey Library, Resource Sharing and Document Delivery Department and Reference, Outreach and Instruction Department, established a cross-interdepartmental collaboration resulting in enhanced customer service and increased Interlibrary Loan (ILL) fill rate. This case study will review the rationale and the events that necessitated the establishment of the cross-interdepartmental collaboration. The collaborative partnership resulted in higher fulfilments rates increasing dramatically from 83% to 91.5%, knowledge sharing across departments, and heightened research skills. Future plans include extending the ILL/ROI collaboration model and piloting an Open Access initiative.

Keywords:

• collaboration
• interdepartmental cross training
• interlibrary loan
• open access
• reference
• resource sharing
• user’s experience