Interbibliothecair

Interbibliothecair is a term used in library science to describe the cooperation and exchange of resources and services between libraries to extend access to information beyond a single institution’s holdings. It covers activities in which patrons can borrow books, obtain articles, or receive other materials from partner libraries, typically through interlibrary loan or document delivery. The concept rests on shared catalogs, standardized metadata, and agreed lending and access policies.

Practically, interbibliothecair operations are organized through library consortia, federations, and formal agreements that coordinate borrowing rules, licensing of digital resources, and joint acquisitions. Libraries contribute holdings to a common system or network, enabling users to locate materials via a shared catalogue and request delivery or loan from other institutions. This cooperation often includes both physical borrowing and access to digitized or licensed electronic resources.

Metadata standards such as MARC and Dublin Core, as well as discovery layers and protocols like Z39.50 or OAI-PMH, support interbibliothecair workflows by enabling efficient search, hold placement, and integration with library management systems. The aim is to create a seamless user experience across institutions while maintaining control over access and usage.

Benefits include expanded collections, access to scarce or time-sensitive items, and cost efficiencies through shared purchasing. Challenges include copyright and licensing constraints for articles and e-books, digital rights management, privacy considerations, and the governance and funding structures needed to sustain cross-institution collaboration.

Related concepts include interlibrary loan, library consortia, and document delivery.