Patron initiated interlibrary loans
In 1997, the Library moved towards the automation of document delivery (interlibrary loans) by implementing a new document delivery service based on the Joint Electronic Documentary Delivery (JEDD) 25 software. JEDD enabled participating libraries to deliver documents directly to users, rather than focusing on library-to-library services. This was a critical first step in the development of a national interlending system in Australia.
Following this, the Library was a partner 26 in the implementation of a new system for the online management of print and electronic information resource delivery, the Local Inter-lending and Document Delivery Administration System (LIDDAS). By mid 2003, the Library was successfully using LIDDAS for the management of document delivery and Curtin clients were able to initiate document delivery and loan requests directly via the Library’s website.
Personal computers for staff
The Library readily embraced the opportunities that information technology and computers increasingly offered during the 1990s. Williamson recalled that when she arrived at the institution in 1988 (as Management Services Librarian), she was proudly shown to her office and the library’s only personal computer – a standalone Apple Mac, complete with a floppy disk, which had been purchased especially for her position.
Concurrent with the extensions to Robertson Library, lines were laid to extend the existing small-scale local area network (LAN) throughout the Library. By mid 1992, 36 Macintosh computers were connected to the network and all staff members had access to a computer in their section.
Training in using word processing software and the Mac system Quickmail was provided to staff. Document creation and sharing was enhanced markedly and staff were able to communicate more easily and efficiently with others in the Library. Email communication was soon extended to the University and beyond. 27
Over the decade, the Library progressively upgraded the computers and software available for staff use as advances in technology occurred.
A Library staff member processing inter-library loans, c 1992.
Library staff made increasing use of networked personal computers in the 1990s.
By 2001 most Library staff had desktop facilities and personal computers played an essential role in the daily operations of the Library.
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