We catch up with Carmen Oleskevich, Library Director, and Colette Clarke, Library Technician, at the
Southern Gulf Islands Community Libraries to hear how they deliver interlibrary loans services to island communities with the support of Illume (and a boat!).
Can you tell us about this photo?
Carmen: Yes, that's a great shot of Colette, interlibrary loan (ILL) coordinator extraordinaire, on board the water taxi "Guillemot," with Captain David Rees-Thomas who ferries us between islands, weather permitting! Colette was on her way from Pender to Saturna Island to offer training to library volunteers at the Saturna reading center regarding procedures for incoming and outgoing ILL materials. In addition to training, Colette handles all the administration tasks on Illume.
Backing up a bit, can you tell us about your libraries and who they serve?
Carmen: The Pender Island Public Library Association (PIPLA) is the administrative lead for library facilities located on five islands in beautiful southwestern BC: Pender, Mayne, Galiano, Saturna, and Piers. We serve approximately 4,700 full time residents, but the population doubles during the summer months due to an influx of part-time residents and tourists. For a public library, fluctuating visitation levels present a challenge of meeting the needs of two main types of patrons, locals and visitors, and adjusting to seasonal periods of low and high library usage. With population growth expected, our libraries are preparing for increased usage and changing needs, particularly in the area of technology.
How does ILL happen at your libraries?
Carmen: We encourage patrons to submit online requests for interlibrary loans via
Illume. This was especially important during COVID Workplace Safety restrictions. Most patrons like to browse the Illume catalogue from the comfort of their home to choose from the huge variety of materials. Our library staff also help patrons use Illume inside the library to select titles and staff will also place requests on behalf of patrons as some don't have computers/tablets, internet access, or the computer skills needed.
All interlibrary loan materials then come to our central location at PIPLA on Pender Island and are redistributed to the reading centers as needed.
What does it mean to provide ILL and to be part of the Illume service?
Carmen: With ILL, we can offer access to a much greater provincial collection of titles than our modest acquisition budgets can permit. Small rural libraries and reading centers such as ours really depend on the provincial ILL service and on Illume support to help us take advantage of the amazing features in the Illume database.
Colette: Coordinating ILL for the Southern Gulf Islands has been one of the most enjoyable parts of my job, from the new patrons I introduce to this system who show such gratitude to the long-time users who can barely suppress their excitement every time an item comes in! Through ILL, I have really been able to build a strong relationship with the patrons who utilize this service.
I've also found myself enjoying working with the other libraries' ILL departments. Whether I'm slipping in thank you notes, affixing stamps, or getting a call about a request we really want filled, ILL interactions have always been particularly warm and friendly.
