This works well when materials go from hub to hub on the delivery route, but tends to fall apart when the item travels from a nonhub lending library to the lending hub to the borrowing hub, to borrowing library. The final option would change from a priority list to generalized priority guidelines. Libraries would continue to request first from libraries within their own library system before requesting from outside their system. QuILL sites and clearinghouses could then make a lender string of five sites to refer the request. If necessary, they would choose system clearinghouses when there are public libraries that own the title but are not QuILL sites.
Sites agree to try to spread request traffic to many sites, rather than concentrating on just a few.
Discussion revealed that in many cases system clearinghouses are already using this model, especially when handling rush or specialized requests. This final model was well received by the group. It was suggested that the general referral guidelines be adopted on a trial basis beginning Oct. 1, 1999. Statistics will continue to be monitored, as will messages from QuILL sites indicating problems with request load at individual sites. The issue will be reviewed at the Spring Interlibrary Loan Meeting to determine if the general guidelines will remain in place.