Exploring the services provided by CALIS: meeting the needs of member libraries
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this article is to summarize the different kinds of services China Academic Library and Information System (CALIS) developed and provided, in order to promote the general, detailed and specific levels of assistance to member libraries and other information institutions.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper focuses on six kinds of services to meet the needs of CALIS members, including “cooperated database purchasing”, “union catalog”, “interlibrary loan and document delivery”, “virtual reference”, “digital library model designing” and “training” services.
Findings
The statistics show that these services definitely facilitate resource sharing among libraries. On the other hand, more efforts should be made to make these services go from strength to strength.
Research limitations/implications
Although many attempts have been made, CALIS is still faced with the challenge to develop and provide services to a higher level.
Practical implications
With the passage of time, the services provided attracted much attention. More and more academic libraries participated in CALIS. By now, CALIS is extending its services to more than 700 Chinese universities.
Originality/value
The insight into its services improves the understanding of the role CALIS played in China. At the same time, experiences and benefits obtained may be used as a demonstration for other consortia.
Keywords
Citation
Xiaoxia, Y. and Ling, C. (2005), "Exploring the services provided by CALIS: meeting the needs of member libraries", Library Management, Vol. 26 No. 8/9, pp. 471-477. https://doi.org/10.1108/01435120510631756
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2005, Emerald Group Publishing Limited