How does requesting work for SWIMS library users?
In the NHS Knowledge and Library Hub end users are able to request items not immediately available to them by clicking a Request this item button. If they click this button they are asked to input their contact details into an online form and when they click Submit an email is sent to the email address of their home library. The bibliographic details of the item are automatically included in the email.
This includes books as well as, for example, journal articles to which their library doesn't subscribe. The ability to request books in this way is new for SWIMS library members as they are not currently able to request on the SWIMS OPAC.
This is good because it gives easier access for end users to resources. However the consequence may be that there is an increase in demand for inter-library loan requests. Libraries which had already implemented discovery services locally found this.
E-books
The request button will also appear against e-books. This may need a local policy decision in terms of how to provision these requests - possibly via a print version of the book.
There is more information about the display of e-books in the KL Hub.
The future
In future it is hoped that there will be greater integration between the Knowledge and Library Hub and regional and local library and request management systems to streamline the experience for end users and KLS staff. Work is ongoing to achieve this.
See other FAQs relating to the SWIMS integration into the KL Hub.