Maryland Interlibrary Organization: MILO-Central. Review and Recommendation

This study evaluates contract services in reference and printed materials of the Maryland Interlibrary Organization (MILO)-Central (a network of public, county, and academic libraries) as performed by the County Services Department. Procedures and record-keeping processes--i.e., organization, basic operations, and request volume--are analyzed from data collected during visits to MILO-Central and cooperating libraries. Statistics show MILO-Central remains consistent in request fill rate turnaround time, but fill rate is lower than other networks. The study notes the need for greater interrelationship and sharing among system members. It recommends review of statistics for management decisions and operating procedures for problem area and duplicate efforts, as well as a cost-effectiveness study. Fifteen specific areas are listed for further analysis. (KP)