Simply put, an Electronic Document Delivery Service is a service from which customers can order full text copies of documents, such as journal articles, technical reports, or conference proceedings, on demand. Typically, the customer submits a request through e-mail or the Service s web site.
Customers provide the title, author, publication date, etc. of the document in their request.
The method of delivery is usually determined by the customer. Electronic Document Delivery Services are usually large scale businesses. They must also obtain copyright to the materials they sell. There are many different types of Services. Some companies provide access to thousands of journal articles in a broad range of subject areas.