Using the Web of Science for unmediated document delivery

• Published in: Interlending & Document Supply Vol. 28; no. 4; pp. 178 - 184
• Main Authors: Crowley, Gwyneth H., Hart, Judith L.
• Format: Report
• Language: English
• Published: MCB UP Ltd 01-12-2000
• Subjects: Document supply; Interlending; Internet; Library services; USA; User studies
• ISSN: 0264-1615
• DOI: 10.1108/02641610010356951

Due to the significant cost of interlibrary loan services and the pressure to provide better access to journal articles, a pilot project on unmediated document delivery was designed as an option for interlibrary loan requests at Texas A&M University TAMU. Graduate students and faculty members of the Educational Psychology and Psychology Departments were given access, at no cost, to the electronic document delivery service of the Institute of Scientific Informations ISI Web of Science. Participants were asked to order only items not owned by the TAMU General Libraries. Data gathered included the items ordered, the cost of each item, and the users experience level with electronic systems. Key factors examined were the patrons inclination to check the catalogue, total and average costs, ease of use, willingness of patrons to use the system, and the problems incurred.