Research on library collaboration through the Google Scholar database: A narrative literature review (2017–2023)

Advancements in technology and information have brought about significant changes in human life. These developments have also had a profound impact on the field of librarianship. Libraries are now required to continuously adapt to technological progress. Often referred to as a growing organism, the library is a living, evolving entity that develops in tandem with the times. This concept underscores that libraries are not static institutions; rather, they are dynamic and responsive to various challenges, particularly in today’s digital era. One of the key responses of libraries to digital transformation is the intensification of interlibrary collaboration. Interlibrary collaboration refers to cooperative efforts involving two or more libraries. This concept is supported by Law No. 43 of 2007 on Libraries, Chapter XI, Article 42, which stipulates that libraries may collaborate with various parties to enhance user services (Maulidiyah & Roesminingsih, 2020). Collaboration has become an effective strategy for libraries and librarians to optimize the use of available resources and to address various limitations they may face (Istiana, 2016). For libraries, collaboration is no longer merely an option—it has become an essential necessity (Komariah, Sepudin, Nurislaminingsih, 2021). The importance of interlibrary collaboration lies in the fact that no single library, regardless of size, can independently meet all its information needs. It is impossible for any library to collect all the world’s information, even within a single discipline. Libraries face limitations in information acquisition due to factors such as connectivity, funding, and other constraints. Therefore, interlibrary cooperation is considered crucial, as libraries inherently cannot fulfill all user information needs on their own (Annisya, Zuhri, Restiana, & Yusniah, 2023). Libraries serve as information providers, while users are the recipients of that information—two interdependent components within the information ecosystem. This relationship functions effectively when libraries are able to deliver information that aligns with user needs. As information centers, libraries strive to provide the best possible services to meet those needs. When a library fails to meet user expectations, the likely consequence is user disengagement. There are differing perspectives on what constitutes successful interlibrary collaboration. According to Suratmi (2021), such cooperation is primarily driven by limitations in library resources. Beyond resource constraints, Endarti (2022) emphasizes that libraries, as information centers, are committed to delivering optimal services to meet users’ information needs. This phenomenon arises from the increasing complexity of information demands and the growing critical awareness among individuals in evaluating and utilizing available information (Hutapepa, Siregar, Sasmita, & Yusniah, 2023). To avoid losing users, libraries must adapt by offering positive services and diverse forms of information. As noted by Harahap, Lubis, Azhar, Ginting, and Hasibuan (2023), the growing number of libraries engaging in collaboration contributes significantly to fulfilling educational and research needs, as such partnerships expand access to digital resources. Therefore, cooperation with other libraries is essential. According to Prasetya (2021), interlibrary collaboration is not solely driven by resource limitations, but also by an awareness of the importance of collaboration in enhancing service quality and expanding the utilization of collections. For collaboration to be optimally established, an initial agreement is required—one that clearly outlines the terms, rationale, and objectives, and is mutually accepted by all participating parties (Harahap et al., 2023). Such agreements serve as a critical foundation for building structured and mutually beneficial partnerships. In practice, the availability of supporting infrastructure is an essential factor, including mutual understanding between libraries, whether formalized through written agreements such as Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) or through informal agreements based on shared commitment and trust. Well-developed facilities and agreements support the sustainability and effectiveness of long-term collaboration. This highlights the importance of thorough planning in every form of interlibrary cooperation. Strategic planning in libraries should be directed toward fulfilling their primary role as information centers capable of meeting the public’s information needs (Thomson et al., 2019). Clearly defined shared goals and an appropriate division of roles and responsibilities among participating institutions are key factors in ensuring the success of such collaborations. Furthermore, collaboration requires both formal and informal agreements to ensure that all parties understand and agree upon the essential elements of the partnership. These agreements help prevent potential conflicts and facilitate coordination among collaborating libraries. From previous studies, the authors identified both similarities and differences in interlibrary collaboration. A commonality found in both journal articles is that collaboration is always driven by specific reasons—limited resources and the need for adequate infrastructure are major factors prompting libraries to collaborate. The difference lies in the focus of each article: one emphasizes the issue of resource limitations that must be addressed by libraries, while the other focuses on the preparatory stages of collaboration, particularly the need for mechanisms to establish agreements that guide the partnership. These mechanisms are essential for defining the terms of cooperation to ensure that the collaboration proceeds effectively. After reviewing both journal articles, the present study seeks to explore whether interlibrary collaboration is solely intended to fulfill collection needs or also to meet user demands, enabling users to access the information they require more effectively. However, meeting information needs in libraries is not a simple task. Persistent user demands, increasingly complex and diverse information sources due to technological advancements, and limited funding all contribute to the library’s inability to fully satisfy all user needs and expectations. As a result, library services may fall short in delivering optimal service and user satisfaction. Interlibrary collaboration can serve as an effective approach to overcoming these limitations in meeting information needs. As noted by Yusniah et al. (2023), collaboration with other libraries can help improve service quality and increase user visits, as it facilitates knowledge transfer, shared resource utilization, and the adoption of best practices in library management. Through such collaboration, libraries are expected to provide more comprehensive services to their users. This study aims to assess the extent to which interlibrary collaboration supports users and to consider whether alternative approaches may be more effective. These questions will be addressed through an analysis of relevant literature, the history of interlibrary collaboration, the supporting and inhibiting factors involved, and the impacts resulting from such partnerships. The study seeks to determine whether interlibrary collaboration significantly assists users in accessing the information they need and whether it is an effective strategy for collection development.

This study employs the narrative literature review method. A narrative literature review is a qualitative research approach that focuses on describing human experiences through narratives, biographies, and visual documentation. Fundamentally, a literature review is the result of a theoretical scientific process that contributes to the strengthening of knowledge and the validation of research methodologies (Chigbu, 2023). This method involves a critical review of literature relevant to the research topic, organized logically to provide a comprehensive understanding of the subject under investigation (Yusmafida, Amar, & Rukmana, 2024). The narrative literature review was chosen for this study because it draws upon various journal articles that have been reviewed (Fadli, 2021). The narrative literature review approach was selected because it allows the researcher to analyze a wide range of literature sources in depth to gain a holistic understanding of the topic of interlibrary collaboration. By collecting and reviewing relevant journal articles, this study not only summarizes previous research findings but also offers a deeper interpretation of the available data. This method supports the research objective of synthesizing diverse perspectives from the literature to develop a meaningful understanding of the issue at hand. This study focuses on analyzing scholarly works that discuss interlibrary collaboration. The primary data sources are journal articles retrieved through searches on the Google Scholar database, widely recognized as a reliable platform for accessing academic literature. The journal articles analyzed were limited to those published between 2017 and 2023. The search process utilized keyword strategies— specifically the term “interlibrary collaboration”—to ensure that the results were thematically relevant and reflected recent developments in the field. The data collection technique used in this paper involved the analysis of 14 journal articles from various publications. The following steps were undertaken by the researcher: (1) Title and Abstract Screening: The researcher initially screened journal titles relevant to the research topic. Abstracts were then reviewed to assess their suitability. Publications deemed irrelevant were excluded from the list. (2) Full-Text Reading: After screening, the researcher read the full texts of the selected journals to gain a comprehensive understanding of each article used in the study. (3) Verification of Publication Details: The researcher confirmed the publication year, volume, and page numbers of the selected journals to ensure accurate and complete referencing. (4) Identification of Article Types: Using Mendeley Reference Desktop or similar tools, the researcher recorded metadata for each journal article, including publication year, volume, page numbers, and journal type. This classification helped organize the sources used in the study. (5) Data Analysis of 14 Journal Articles: Once the data were verified, the researcher analyzed the 14 journal articles based on research themes, methodologies used, and key findings. The goal was to gain a deeper understanding of each article’s contributions and insights. (6) Integration into the Study: The researcher incorporated the findings and analyses from the reviewed journal articles into the current study, referencing relevant findings and connecting them to the study’s arguments and objectives.

Libraries have long been recognized as valuable sources of knowledge, serving as primary access points to information. Their role is vital in preserving and disseminating knowledge, fostering intellectual curiosity, and supporting educational processes (Toya, 2023). The history of libraries dates back to the development of writing traditions in ancient civilizations. The earliest known libraries originated in Ancient Egypt, where collections consisted of clay tablets and papyrus scrolls. Around 700 BCE, library classification systems began to emerge in Nineveh, and by 296 BCE, cataloging practices were being implemented. During the 8th and 9th centuries, libraries spread across the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe, particularly through Islamic libraries under the Umayyad Caliphate. A significant advancement occurred in the Middle Ages with the invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg, which enabled the wider distribution of books and accelerated the growth of library collections. The Industrial Revolution in Europe further propelled the development of libraries, including the establishment of the first public library in England in the 17th century, which expanded public access to information (Nurmasari, 2017). In Indonesia, the history of libraries can be traced back to the 5th century through inscriptions found in East Kalimantan. Libraries evolved through the influence of Hindu-Buddhist kingdoms, Islamic traditions, and colonialism, which introduced the concept of modern libraries. Following independence, the Indonesian government began establishing national and regional libraries to broaden public access to information. With the advancement of information technology, libraries entered the digital era, enabling broader access to resources through electronic networks. This development also encouraged the emergence of interlibrary collaboration as a strategic measure to enhance information services and improve collection management efficiency. In the 20th century, interlibrary cooperation began with the compilation of union catalogs, as no collaboration could be effective without knowledge of other libraries’ resources. The scope of collaboration quickly expanded to include a wide range of library activities such as abstracting and indexing, acquisitions, bibliographic access, cataloging, circulation development, continuing education for staff and users, literature searching, management and accounting, microfilming, photography, processing, reference services, storage listings, and union catalogs. Library collaboration has also taken place between Indonesia and Malaysia. As neighboring countries with shared Malay cultural roots, Indonesia and Malaysia exhibit many similarities in culture, economy, and technology—including in the field of librarianship. Libraries in both countries serve as information centers to meet the needs of their users. This collaboration was established to address the increasingly diverse information needs. However, meeting these needs is not straightforward, as user demands have become more complex. Additionally, the information provided comes from increasingly varied sources, including publishers, governments, and modern technologies (Yusniah, Lestari, et al., 2023). Indonesia and Malaysia each publish approximately 5,000 books annually, but not all of these can be acquired by libraries due to budget constraints. Therefore, collaboration is essential. One of the outcomes of collaboration between Indonesian and Malaysian libraries is their participation in the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA). IFLA is a global organization representing the interests of libraries and information services. It was founded in Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1927 during an international conference. To date, IFLA has over 1,600 members across approximately 150 countries, including Indonesia and Malaysia. In addition to IFLA membership, Indonesia and Malaysia also participate in the Cooperation in Culture and Information (COCI) initiative. Their involvement in COCI is part of broader ASEAN cooperation. One of COCI’s key programs is the ASEAN Librarian Exchange, which began in 1988 in Malaysia. COCI was established to train librarians in regional urban management across ASEAN member states. Its goal is to strengthen interlibrary cooperation among ASEAN countries. Activities include seminars, roundtable discussions, library visits, and sociocultural events. Indonesia and Malaysia are involved not only in IFLA and COCI library collaborations, but also in numerous other cooperative initiatives (Yanti et al., 2023). Through participation in these collaborative activities, both countries are able to optimize the provision of information to meet user needs. Several key drivers behind the formation of interlibrary collaboration include the information explosion resulting from technological advancements, the increasing demand for information from library users, and limited library budgets that constrain the acquisition of new materials. These challenges make it difficult for a single library to fully meet user needs on its own. Historically, international library cooperation—particularly between Indonesia and Malaysia—has focused heavily on cultural aspects. This is largely due to shared cultural heritage, which has led to collaborations aimed at identifying and preserving cultural information resources. Outcomes of such collaborations include collection development, union catalog creation, preservation efforts, and human resource development (Yanti et al., 2023). According to Sihombing et al. (2022), the key drivers of interlibrary collaboration include: (1) A significant increase in knowledge-based information collections, resulting in a growing number of publications. (2) The expansion of educational activities, from school libraries to academic libraries, which has led to more diverse user demands for information. (3) Technological advancements that require library staff to continuously update their technical skills. (4) Increased national and international employment opportunities and mobility. (5) The development of information technology, particularly in computing and communication, which has made collaboration faster, more efficient, and more cost-effective. (6) User demands for access to the same information sources. (7) Cost savings in facilities, human resources, and time through collaboration. (Sihombing et al., 2022). These factors underscore the reality that no single library can fully meet all user information needs. One of the primary motivations for collaboration is to increase the volume and diversity of available collections. In practice, many libraries— especially those in smaller or remote areas—face limited access to information (Pratama, Pakiding, & Palangan, 2025). The growing diversity of user needs compels libraries to collaborate. The rapid advancement of knowledge has led to a surge in publications across disciplines, while technological progress has become a major catalyst for interlibrary cooperation (Annisya et al., 2023). Interlibrary collaboration is thus a strategic approach to optimizing access to diverse and distributed collections. No library can independently provide all necessary information resources, making collaboration through networks or consortia a strategic solution for expanding information service reach. Through collaboration, libraries can complement each other’s collections, accelerate information exchange, and enhance the efficient use of institutional resources. Moreover, interlibrary cooperation facilitates broader access to digital resources such as e-books, scholarly journals, and research databases—resources that are increasingly essential in the digital age. In the context of research and information dissemination, electronic journals have significantly transformed how scholars access and utilize academic literature (Andayani, 2023). By sharing resources, libraries can offer more varied and up-to-date collections without overburdening their individual budgets. Collaboration also supports the development of new services, such as interlibrary loan systems and information literacy training, designed to meet increasingly complex user needs. Ultimately, such collaboration not only enhances library efficiency and capacity but also strengthens their role as primary providers of accessible information for diverse user communities (Augustine et al., 2021). Libraries play a crucial role across various domains of life and knowledge, serving as vital components in supporting learning, research, and scientific development (Abidin & Rohman, 2024). Therefore, the utilization of library collections is closely linked to fulfilling users’ current information needs. Interlibrary collaboration is a strategic step, particularly in collection development. Through collaboration, libraries can complement each other’s holdings, avoid unnecessary duplication, and access materials that may be outdated or irrelevant if relying solely on internal collections. Thus, collaborative collection development enables more selective, relevant, and up-to-date acquisitions. This not only broadens the scope of available information but also improves the efficiency and effectiveness of collection use in supporting optimal information services for users (Cahyani & Perdana, 2022). However, several barriers to interlibrary collaboration have been identified by Sitompul et al. (2023), including: (1) Language differences among library consortium members, which hinder communication. (2) Inadequate funding for collaboration, limiting sustainability. (3) Reluctance of larger libraries to collaborate with smaller ones. (4) Geographic challenges, especially in vast regions. (5) Political instability in certain areas, which can hinder interregional cooperation due to fear of external influence. (6) Lack of infrastructure to support seamless collaboration. (7) Weak library collections due to limited budgets. (8) Shortage of qualified librarians. (9) Lack of understanding of the benefits of collaboration, with many libraries and parent organizations failing to support cooperative initiatives. (10)Limited information exchange between libraries, resulting in a lack of awareness about each other’s developments and conditions. In addition to the various barriers previously mentioned, the lack of clear policy support from relevant authorities also poses a significant challenge to interlibrary collaboration. Without regulations or guidelines that facilitate cooperation, it becomes difficult for libraries to establish structured and sustainable partnerships. Furthermore, differences in operational standards and technology across libraries often create technical obstacles that hinder service integration. Limited training for librarians in understanding the importance of collaboration and in maximizing the use of technology also reduces the effectiveness of such efforts. Therefore, it is essential for all stakeholders to address these challenges through strategic approaches, including adequate budget allocation, librarian capacity building, and improved communication and coordination among libraries. Collaboration can be described as a joint action between two or more parties that is mutually beneficial. Libraries can collaborate to exchange catalog data, build collections, share library materials, make joint acquisitions, and provide services to users. Library collaboration benefits both the institutions and their users. The impact of library partnerships on the institutions themselves includes shared resource utilization and collective responsibility. Through collaboration, users can more easily and quickly access information collections across libraries. As noted by Nurcahyani (2023), the growth of information parallels technological advancement, which in turn increases information needs. Collaboration also serves to strengthen and address service delivery challenges from multiple perspectives. Moreover, libraries function as information providers offering easy, fast, and free access to all segments of society. Through interlibrary collaboration, this access can be expanded and enriched, enabling the public to obtain more diverse and higher-quality information (Ardyawin, 2020). From various perspectives, library collaboration facilitates problem-solving within libraries (Yusniah, Santri, et al., 2023). The impact of library collaboration also includes increased reading interest, often involving partnerships with various stakeholders such as educational institutions, communities, publishers, government agencies, and media. Libraries can collaborate with schools or universities to organize literacy programs such as reading workshops or writing seminars. However, building mutual trust is crucial in establishing effective partnerships. Libraries must also understand each other’s identities and recognize their respective strengths and weaknesses to ensure successful collaboration (Lubis et al., 2023). In essence, the forms of library collaboration are diverse. According to Siregar, Ramadani, Riski, and Yusniah (2023), collaboration may include resource or collection acquisition, support in processing and gathering materials, cooperation in information provision, and integration of various available resources. Partnerships with literacy communities or publishers can facilitate book discussions, the development of special collections, or book donations. Additionally, support from government and private institutions through corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs can be used to improve library facilities or organize community-based literacy activities, such as mobile libraries (Bahgie, 2021). The use of technology—such as e-resources, webinars, or online training—can also be enhanced through partnerships with digital platforms. Joint promotion with local media helps raise public awareness of library services, while themed interactive reading spaces, such as science or history corners, can attract visitors with specific interests. These strategies broaden access to information, increase community engagement, and make reading experiences more engaging, thereby effectively promoting reading interest. Another significant outcome of interlibrary collaboration is cost savings. It is undeniable that collaboration is a key strategy in library development, particularly in building services through shared collection utilization or resource sharing (Yusniah, Chairunnisa, Dalimunthe, & Adinda, 2023). In other words, interlibrary cooperation enables libraries to work together by sharing collection resources. This can reduce individual library budgets compared to operating independently. For example, instead of purchasing new materials, a library can rely on another institution that already owns the needed collection. This approach helps reduce costs and expands the range of solutions for addressing challenges or improving information services. As stated earlier, collaboration brings more perspectives and innovative approaches to problem-solving in libraries. Consequently, collaboration facilitates the achievement of institutional goals, as multiple organizations contribute and integrate their efforts. According to Woodsworth, several outcomes and benefits can be achieved through library collaboration supported by information technology—although some of these outcomes may also be attainable without it. These include the sharing of exclusive information resources such as library collections, facilities, and human resources. Library users can borrow materials from any library within the collaborative network (Yusniah, Santri, et al., 2023). One of the key advantages of collaboration is the ability to share specialized resources, such as library collections, physical facilities, and human resources. Through collaborative networks, library users can access and borrow materials from multiple libraries within the system. Information technology also supports catalog integration, the development of interconnected service systems, and easier access to digital resources such as e-books, digital journals, and research databases. This approach not only enhances the operational efficiency of libraries but also broadens service access to a wider range of users, including those unable to visit the library in person. With the integration of technology in collaboration, libraries are better equipped to meet the information needs of the public. Libraries also play a vital role in supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through the services they provide. The SDGs are designed to promote responsible development across all nations. In this context, interlibrary collaboration contributes to achieving the SDGs, particularly in terms of equitable access to information, improving the quality of education, and strengthening institutional partnerships (Junaidi & Heriyanto, 2021). Libraries contribute to poverty alleviation by offering skills training and relevant information resources to help improve community well-being. Libraries support quality education by providing diverse and inclusive collections and leveraging information technology to expand accessibility (Junaidi & Setiyowati, 2021). Activity-based services such as mobile libraries, creative training programs, and interlibrary collaboration are also implemented to bring information closer to communities. These strategies have proven effective in advancing the SDGs, particularly in education and social welfare. The impact of interlibrary collaboration on users includes broader and faster access to the information they need. Users no longer need to search multiple libraries for information; through collaboration, a single library can provide access to a wider and more comprehensive range of resources. However, in smaller-scale collaborations, libraries may face budgetary challenges in maintaining services and facilities. In some cases, the costs of collaboration may exceed initial estimates, especially if not managed efficiently. Interlibrary collaboration plays a significant role in building networks that facilitate the sharing of information and services among institutions. Through such partnerships, libraries can leverage technology to create shared catalogs, streamline interlibrary loans, and provide access to a wider array of electronic resources. These partnerships also support more efficient cost management, as libraries can share responsibilities in collection acquisition, technology upgrades, and librarian training. In the digital age, collaboration has become a key strategy for enhancing library competitiveness and enriching user experiences, thereby reinforcing the library’s role as a center for learning and information (Elnadi, 2018). The principle of interlibrary collaboration is based on the understanding that the collective strength and effectiveness of a library network surpass those of individual libraries. No single library possesses a complete collection, making collaboration essential. Interlibrary cooperation is an effective strategy for library development, enabling the expansion of collections, improvement of services, and enhancement of facilities for users. Therefore, interlibrary collaboration continues to be practiced today, especially as technological advancements accelerate the flow of new information. Libraries are obligated to preserve this information as part of their collections. Collaboration facilitates user access to information and enables libraries to meet collection demands more effectively.

Interlibrary collaboration is a cooperative effort aimed at fulfilling user information needs by complementing collections and services. In an era of rapidly evolving information, libraries cannot operate independently in providing the necessary resources. Thus, collaboration serves as an effective solution for expanding information access, improving resource management efficiency, and strengthening relationships among libraries at both national and international levels. Through collaboration, libraries can share collections, facilitate information exchange, and utilize technology to enhance service quality—including digitizing collections and integrating information systems. Despite challenges such as limited staff, funding constraints, and differences in policy and technological infrastructure, collaboration continues to offer significant benefits, particularly in fostering innovation and broader information accessibility. Future research should focus on developing more effective collaboration models by considering sustainable strategies, leveraging technology to strengthen interlibrary networks, and assessing the long-term impact on service quality and user satisfaction.