K-State Libraries launches Express Delivery for rapid access to current journal articles

K-State Libraries has introduced Express Delivery from Article Galaxy Scholar, a new service that provides rapid access to current journal articles not available through existing database and journal subscriptions. With Express Delivery, students, faculty and staff can often receive select articles within minutes.

Express Delivery functions as an extension of Interlibrary Loan but focuses on current journal content — generally from the most recent two years. After placing an order, users receive a download option and an email link to the article.

For now, the service is available only through Search It, the Libraries' discovery tool. Users must be logged in to see the Express Delivery option when it appears and should toggle the "Expand beyond K-State collections" filter to view applicable results.

While Express Delivery offers quick access to time-sensitive content, it does not replace Interlibrary Loan. Instead, it complements existing services by stepping in when copyright limits are reached or when a journal is not included in the Libraries' subscriptions. Because each request costs approximately $30-$70 to fill, users who don't need immediate access are encouraged to use Interlibrary Loan.

The service also streamlines access to open-access articles, when available, through Unpaywall.

Behind the scenes, the Content Development and Interlibrary Loan teams evaluate usage, copyright fees, and research and teaching priorities to determine which journals are included.

Express Delivery from Article Galaxy Scholar is one more way K-State Libraries is removing barriers and providing timely access to research for all users.

— Submitted by Lexi Liby