Digital possibilities in international interlibrary lending: with or despite German copyright law

Abstract

The German interlibrary loan service is a good and solid basic solution for the supply of literature between libraries within Germany and some other countries. It has proven itself both nationally and internationally. But in what form will it be needed in the future? Which digital possibilities does it offer our users regarding delivery or electronic media? Copyright law in Germany promises to have the right answers to the demands of modern digital working and studying. But does the copyright law also make this possible for German interlibrary lending? German libraries have the advantage that only a few countries worldwide have a copyright that contains a special section for interlibrary lending, and Germany is one of them. However, this positive effect does not make it easier for foreign libraries.