Books on the Move

Abstract

In September 2022 the National Library of Estonia launched a new Estonian-wide lending service Minu Raamatukogu (MIRKO) [translation: My Library]. The goal was as simple as it was ambitious: to make the collections of Estonian libraries universally available and discoverable in a one-stop search, so as to enable quick delivery of the desired publication to the user. The user simply clicks “order”, without having to consider the location of the book. An algorithm picks the most fitting, most expedient copy across all participating library holdings. With the help of our logistics partner, the book is then delivered to the user, either to a parcel locker or directly to an address indicated. Library lending becomes conveniently integrated into the users’ daily routines. Remote loans will no longer be only interlibrary transactions — the physical book becomes mobile in Estonia, and the broader library network will serve as the home library for each user. In February 2023 lending of e-publications was added to the service. Now our users can also read or listen to e-books and audiobooks at any time and from anywhere. Sustainability, equal possibilities for users, responsible consumption and re-use of existing resources are important aspects of the service.