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ISO ILL : About

About ISO ILL

ILL Protocol Implementers Group (IPIG)

Standards typically define what to do but not how to do it. In order for systems to truly interoperate there needs to be agreement on how it should be implemented. Fortunately, ISO ILL has an active implementers group called the IPIG. Because there are many correct ways to implement the protocol, IPIG requires every system to make a PICS available. The PICS is a technical document written for technical staff and documents the details of each system's implementation. You can download the OCLC PICS (PDF).

OCLC test environment available

To help vendors prepare for ISO ILL-based communication us, we have established a test environment that is available to vendors and libraries. OCLC thoroughly tests each version of an ISO ILL system both for technical interoperability and for smooth workflows. Libraries that purchase an ISO ILL system that has completed testing with us will need to go through a second, short, test to ensure that both OCLC and the institution have the right connection information and are able to exchange messages. We list the systems with whom we are testing and the status of that testing. This is important because as long as systems continue to grow and change, testing is never finished—continual testing of each new version ensures ongoing interoperability.

ISO ILL system features vary

Features of different standards-based systems will differ. While the protocol can support interaction between systems, it does not manage all the tasks of ILL staff. For example, electronic payment systems such as OCLC ILL fee management (IFM) are system-specific. Other ILL functions such as searching bibliographic databases, book straps, cutting checks and tracking copyright and end-user request forms are not addressed by the protocol. Those functions may or may not be included in an ISO ILL compliant system but they are not part of the standard itself. ISO ILL can, however, allow you to have all your library's requests in a single database so that your system can provide those features through its own application.

Is ISO ILL right for your library?

Libraries who use several ILL systems (such as OCLC ILL and DOCLINE), and libraries who prefer a different staff interface may want an ISO ILL compliant system in order to manage all their requests through a single interface. If your library is satisfied with one ILL system, then the protocol itself may not provide a benefit. If your library uses multiple systems, or if you prefer to use a different interface other than the one supplied by your favorite system, then ISO ILL may be very important.

Committed to standards

The next few years will see changes to both the standard and to the focus of the implementers group. Vendors and utilities, with help from the library community will improve the standard and will smooth the inevitable initial bumps in interoperability. OCLC is committed to support of standards and to ongoing testing both in support of our member libraries who wish to use an ISO ILL system and in support of the members who prefer to use OCLC ILL without ISO.