The changing paradigm of document delivery – exploring researchers’ peer to peer practices

Abstract

Purpose By definition, interlibrary lending is a process involving two libraries. The digital revolution changed the method by which the scientific documents were disseminated during the past couple of decades. Nowadays, researchers can exploit several software applications that enable them to upload, save and deliver their documents from one peer to another without the need for a middle man. This paper reviews this change via a study conducted in two Finnish academic universities. The aim of this study was to determine the extent to which researchers have adopted these new possibilities for document dissemination and how this change will affect the role of the libraries in document delivery in the future. Design/methodology/approach This paper is based on a survey conducted with the academic professors in two Finnish universities. The results were analyzed descriptively. Findings Academics mainly used digital resources when acquiring documents; library interlending (ILL) was the least widely used means. The majority of the academics usually transmitted their own documents to other persons by e-mail. Research limitations/implications This paper is based on data from two Finnish universities. Practical implications Libraries should be better aware of current peer-to-peer document delivery practices and evaluate how this will impact on their interlibrary loan services. Social implications Libraries should be more active in document delivery implemented through the various internet applications for academic document dissemination. Originality/value Peer-to-peer document exchange is an inadequately investigated topic, especially from a library perspective.