HathiTrust: Digital Access at the Intersection of Interlibrary Lending Potential and the Protection of Intellectual Property Rights

Abstract

Purpose – To provide an overview of the HathiTrust digital repository and assess the impact that intellectual property rights may have on its utility for ILL operations. Design/methodology/approach – The authors use a case study approach based on their professional experience. Findings – In order to make digital repositories such as HathiTrust useful for international ILL purposes, librarians need to know more about users’ ebook preferences for delivery speed, cost, and format, and under what circumstances users prefer print or electronic copies. Originality/value – HathiTrust is one of the newest and yet largest digital repositories in the world. The impact of such digital collections upon ILL is still unknown. The authors present highly original work that is sure to help ILL professionals navigate what is as yet uncharted territory.