More than 1 million copy requests filled by libraries in the Express digital delivery program
Since launch of OCLC’s Express digital delivery program in January 2021, Express libraries have filled more than a million copy requests in an average of ten hours. Currently, more than 1,000 libraries from nearly 20 countries are delivering ILL requests with remarkable speed.
Eastern Kentucky University Libraries, for example, have achieved some of the fastest borrowing times. During one six-month period:
- 30% of requests were filled in under one hour
- 40% were filled under two hours
- 10% of requests were filled in under two minutes
The program enables digital resource borrowing and lending among a select group of libraries—those with 18 hours or less turnaround times—using the OCLC resource sharing network. And there’s no extra cost when a library has a WorldShare ILL, Tipasa, or ILLiad subscription.
Katie Lawrence, Library Assistant at William Woods University, shared that, “I love how OCLC’s Express program speeds up my requesting process.”
Some libraries even save money. “I looked at my library’s borrowing IFM (ILL Fee Management) costs, and I have significantly lowered them since becoming an Express member,” noted Mary Zettwoch, Head of Interlibrary Loan at University of Missouri-St. Louis. “Also, our library’s costs for copy requests are now lower because we get all of them for free.”
By leveraging the ILL service they already know and use, many participants also save time—while giving their users the fast experience they expect. Stacie Allison, Library Technician, Interlibrary Loan at Lebanon Valley College, is happy with the improved user experience. “We love Express. I’ve received multiple emails from patrons thanking me for the ‘amazing’ fast service. Very, very pleased.”
To learn more about the Express including how to qualify, please visit: oc.lc/express