What are the emerging trends and innovations in document delivery services?

1 User-centered design

One of the key trends in DDS is to adopt a user-centered design approach, which means to understand and meet the needs, preferences, and behaviors of the users. This involves engaging with the users through surveys, feedback, interviews, or usability testing, and using data and analytics to monitor and evaluate the performance and impact of DDS. User-centered design also means to provide user-friendly interfaces, features, and options for requesting, accessing, and managing DDS, such as mobile apps, chatbots, self-service kiosks, or personalized accounts.

2 Open access and collaboration

Another trend in DDS is to promote open access and collaboration among libraries and other stakeholders, such as publishers, repositories, or platforms. Open access refers to the free and unrestricted availability of scholarly information online, which can reduce the barriers and costs of DDS. Collaboration means to share resources, expertise, and best practices among libraries and other partners, such as through consortia, networks, or agreements. Open access and collaboration can also foster innovation, diversity, and social responsibility in DDS.

3 Digital delivery and preservation

A third trend in DDS is to enhance the digital delivery and preservation of information resources, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has increased the demand and challenges for online access. Digital delivery means to provide electronic formats and methods for delivering DDS, such as PDFs, links, or streaming. Digital preservation means to ensure the long-term availability and integrity of digital information, such as through backups, formats, or metadata. Digital delivery and preservation can also improve the speed, convenience, and security of DDS.

4 Artificial intelligence and automation

A fourth trend in DDS is to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) and automation technologies to improve the quality and efficiency of DDS. AI refers to the use of computer systems or software to perform tasks that normally require human intelligence, such as recognition, analysis, or decision making. Automation refers to the use of machines or systems to perform tasks that normally require human intervention, such as processing, retrieval, or delivery. AI and automation can also optimize the workflows, costs, and accuracy of DDS.

5 Ethical and legal issues

A fifth trend in DDS is to address the ethical and legal issues that arise from the use of DDS, such as copyright, privacy, accessibility, or quality. Copyright refers to the legal right of the creators or owners of information resources to control their use and distribution. Privacy refers to the right of the users or providers of information resources to protect their personal data and identity. Accessibility refers to the ability of the users or providers of information resources to access them without barriers or discrimination. Quality refers to the standard or reliability of the information resources or services.

6 Future directions

A sixth trend in DDS is to anticipate and prepare for the future directions and challenges of DDS, such as changing user needs, emerging technologies, new business models, or environmental impacts. This involves conducting research, foresight, or scenario planning to identify and analyze the trends, drivers, opportunities, and threats of DDS. It also involves developing strategies, policies, or innovations to adapt and improve DDS in response to the changing environment.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?