The Inter-Library Loan Service of Shueh Sheng Memorial Library has recently extended their service from the original 7 private universities which have begun their work since early part of last year, to 5 more higher-education institutions, including Tai Ta, Cheng Ta (the Political U.), National Taiwan Teacher’s University, Chang Hwa Teacher’s University and Oxford University, Tamsui.

Ms. Ma Shao-chuan, Chief, Circulation Services Section of Chueh Sheng Memorial Library, is quoted as saying that the borrower’s rights in the recently signed contract are greatly improved. For instance, not just within vacation time (regardless of winter or summer) but also during semester time when instructions are still in progress, the Inter-library Loan Service will be open to TKU faculty members as well as students. The maximum number of books has been augmented from 3 to 5 volumes and the charging time limit also has been altered: now a borrower can hold a book for as long as 3 weeks. Furthermore, the charging procedures have also been simplified: for a Tamkang faculty or student, as long as he/she holds an Inter-library Charge card issued by either the Chueh Sheng Memorial Library or the TKU Library Branch in Taipei Campus, all he/she needs to do is just step up to the Loan Desk of the Host Library and charge out the books they need to borrow. That’s all.

Ms. Ma assured us there will be more such services to be seen in the future; but, given the geographical distance, we are somewhat hampered by our choice of locations. “We are almost certain to say that only universities in the northern region will sign contracts of such type with us.” She said.