Electronic Access to Document Delivery and Reference Services

Abstract

Easy access to database searching has opened new worlds of information sources to researchers. Since it is impossible for libraries to maintain collections that will fulfill all of their users' information needs, interlibrary loan is used as a resource sharing mechanism. A computer program was developed to allow users to send interlibrary loan requests electronically to the University of Pennsylvania's Biomedical Library. In addition, a module was created to handle reference questions via electronic mail. Users have made extensive use of the new system, which makes the request process faster and easier. Requests received by the Biomedical Library staff are now more complete and readable, allowing for more efficient processing. The system eliminates the need for paper forms and has the potential to be integrated with various databases and library applications.