The usage data then is used to investigate such concerns as patron group use, supplier, requested titles, etc., and has been useful to the library's planning in a variety of areas. Interlibrary Loan Data Gathering and Management Process 1. The fields chosen by the ILL staff are typical of any ILL request form and can be modified. The user completes the ILL form and submits the request over the web. Tango registers the request and transmits it to Access .
Access records the information regarding the request.
The request is then handled by the ILL staff in the usual manner. When the transaction is complete, the Access database is updated by staff with information, such as supplier name, canceled orders, date materials are received, etc. Reports can be produced to retrieve data from specified fields, enabling sorting of such items as ILL activity by group, type of material or individual items requested. This metadata is distributed to the appropriate staff members for analysis. The manageable initial investment in software, hardware, and training is offset by the reductions in shelf space and staff circulation and conservation activities.