Factors and characteristics of interlibrary loan use and non‐use

Abstract

PurposeThe aim of this study is to investigate whether there are differences between users and non‐users of ILDS and whether users of ILDS perceive certain factors as contributing to satisfactory ILDS outcomes.Design/methodology/approachThe study employed survey research in the form of a specially‐compiled web questionnaire which was distributed by e‐mail to a sample of faculty and doctoral students at two Israeli research institutions.FindingsOne of the main findings was that an ILDS user is a senior, productive, humanities, faculty member – someone who frequently uses the library's services and resources, has a deep style of information‐seeking. An additional finding was that many non‐users of ILDS believed that all their research needs were met by the internet. The other main finding was that ILDS users who perceived the consulting of secondary information sources and receiving reference assistance prior to requesting ILDS as being beneficial, achieved satisfactory ILDS outcomes which exceeded their expectations and which were ultimately integrated into their research.Practical implicationsThe findings contribute to librarians' understanding of users and non‐users of ILDS and may enable them to identify and encourage potential ILDS users and find ways to promote satisfactory ILDS outcomes. Future research could study whether users of ILDS actually produce better quality research than non‐users.Originality/valueThe research shows that ILDS users have a deep style of information‐seeking and uncovers the reasons for non‐use of ILDS. In addition, it confirms Stone's (1983) finding that secondary information sources promote patron satisfaction with ILDS outcomes.