Inter-Library Loan Services among Academic Libraries: Reality or Mirage

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to assess inter-library loan services among academic libraries. The study focused on the availability, utilization, challenges, and improvement strategies of inter-library loan services (ILLS) in academic libraries. Methodology: The study adopted a quantitative method with a descriptive survey as the research design. The population comprised academic librarians and library staff from five technical university libraries (TULs) in Ghana. A questionnaire was used as the data collection instrument. A stratified random sample of academic librarians and library staff from the five TULs was selected, and questionnaires were distributed accordingly. In total, 56 copies of the questionnaire were distributed, of which 51 were retrieved, representing 91% of the valid sample size. The collected data were analyzed quantitatively using IBM SPSS version 26, with results presented in frequency and percentage tables. Descriptive statistics, specifically the mean and standard deviation, were also computed. Findings: The results showed that although sufficient digital platforms exist to support ILLS and users are generally aware of them, improvements are still required in service efficiency, response times, and the integration of digital resources into ILLS. The main challenges identified were slow internet access, budgetary constraints, and administrative delays. Contribution of study to Policy and Practice: The study concludes that ILLS should be given the necessary attention to make it a practical reality rather than a mirage. It provides insights into inter-library loan services in academic libraries globally and highlights the need for a policy framework to address the challenges of sharing information resources among academic institutions. Based on the findings, the study recommends centralized ILLS implementation, improvement of ICT infrastructure, and enhanced inter-institutional cooperation among academic libraries. Furthermore, it emphasizes that to maximize access and efficiency in inter-library lending services, a strong and sustainable library cooperation framework must be established.