(i)SDL insight – digital lending pathways in Italy, Poland and Spain: outcomes and future outlook

Purpose The digital transformation has profoundly changed the way libraries offer access to knowledge; however, they currently lack a legal framework that would enable them to fully exercise their public interest functions in the digital environment. (Independent) Secure digital lending [(i)SDL] has emerged as a promising model, enabling libraries to digitise and lend physical works under secure conditions. This article aims to examine the project “(i)SDL Insight – Digital Lending Pathways in Italy, Poland and Spain” results and outline the directions for future developments to enable libraries to carry out their institutional mission also in the digital environment. Design/methodology/approach The project is based on disseminating a survey in the three participating countries. By investigating the specific barriers encountered in Italy, Poland and Spain, the project seeks to map the gap between the current legal framework and its practical implementation, aiming to turn theoretical legal flexibility into sustainable library practices. Findings The comparative survey of libraries in Italy, Spain and Poland reveals a shared ambition to implement (i)SDL services, but also highlights major systemic barriers. Successful (i)SDL adoption requires coordinated national and international efforts, including legal reform, funding, capacity building and infrastructure development. Originality/value The (i)SDL Insight project set out to map the current landscape of (i)SDL in Italy, Poland and Spain, analysing the legal, technological and operational obstacles to its adoption while identifying opportunities for future development.