One of the most practical things I saw at the virtual MLA23 conference was a poster by Jill Daby, MLS, AHIP, and Margot Malachowski, MLS, AHIP, highlighting recommended best practices for libraries using the DOCLINE ILL system, including regular upkeep of a library's journal holdings and schedule, and steps to follow when a library closes (temporarily or permanently).
The poster shared data from the last two years from one rural library, demonstrating the impact of outdated library holdings: 138 unreceipted and unfilled requests. Multiply routing inefficiency across the 1500+ libraries currently using DOCLINE, and the effects are felt nationwide. Delayed and/or unfilled requests for biomedical information for our health care providers have the potential to impact patient care in every organization.At the suggestion of colleagues, the authors offered to share their poster and the "Spring Cleaning" checklist far and wide to raise awareness about this issue and encourage action.
- Please remember, DOCLINE requires a commitment to participate from the eligible libraries who use it. By maintaining our library profiles, DOCLINE can continue to fulfill its purpose since it's inception in 1985 of "increasing the speed and efficiency of biomedical ILL."
- Improving access to biomedical information changes patient lives.
- In addition, ensuring prompt delivery supports the services our colleagues offer their institutions - advocacy for the profession.
Posted by permission of the authors.
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