Nearest access: rapid location for interlibrary loan resources using OpenURL

PurposeThis paper aims to propose a technical solution to rapidly access and locate the nearest interlibrary loan resources using OpenURL in the services of a local library.Design/methodology/approachFirst, the paper creates knowledge bases of “nearest access” services, which can automatically identify the nearest library and rapidly locate the resources in the target library. The knowledge bases consist of information about the nearby libraries and a rapid location rule for resources in these libraries. Second, the paper designs “nearest access” algorithms that allow users to identify and select the nearest interlibrary loan resources from the knowledge bases of “nearest access” services.FindingsThrough these steps, the paper establishes an architecture for accessing resources in the nearest library that are based on a combination of knowledge bases and “nearest access” algorithms, providing users with a convenient and rapid method to access interlibrary loan resources.Originality/valueThe innovation of this research lies in the ability of the proposed architecture in providing accurate, agile and personalized access to digital interlibrary loan services. Through this work, users will finally possess a tool to rapidly locate the resources in the nearest library using OpenURL.