Controlled digital lending: Past emergency implementation led to future exploration

Abstract The fundamental mission of the library is to provide users with unrestricted access to library resources anytime, anywhere regardless of their physical location, disability, or other circumstances. Library Access Service departments across the nation have been an innovation engine of creativity and opportunity for many decades. The global epidemiology outbreak experience illuminates areas for potential reforming beyond traditional library services. Controlled Digital Lending (CDL) is one of the emerging modern technologies libraries have used to deliver information digitally in support of online learning and teaching, to make educational materials more affordable and more accessible during the global health crisis. CDL opens a new frontier of library services, as a mechanism for the library practice to enhance user’s experience of using libraries’ services. By exploring this tool, libraries can distribute resources in an effective and equitable way. This paper shares the journey of piloting a CDL program at a large R1 institution to ensure students have reliable, affordable access to course materials they need during the pandemic. The paper demonstrates the development of the CDL platforms, policies, and implementation plans and further discusses challenges and lessons learned and how the library community plans to sustain the program into future library services.