Monografía
National Interlending Systems: A Comparative Study of Existing Systems and Possible Models
Institución
Resumen
This report was revised in the light of comments received and the final version completed in 1979. The study attempts to evaluate current interlibrary lending practice and proposes various models of interlibrary lending provision. Few conuntries have appreciated the scale or importance of interlending, byt several have recently replanned or are replanning systems at a fundamenal level. Comprehensive accounts of current practices and their effectiveness are lacking. This study aoutlines the elements necessary in an interlending system and assesses the impact on interlending of technology. Factors relevant to the design, and criteria for judging the effectiveness of interlending systems are presented. Current practices are summarized as far as possible, and in the light of such information, potential basic and combined models are suggested. Factors tellilng against efficient national interlending systems are enumerated, and the relationships between natinoal interlending systems and other elements requiring natinoal policy decision making are identified. The mechanics of interlending are also briefly considered, On the basis of these findings, conclusions are drawn and further studies are recommended. The document is of relevance to all those involved in interlending, but is of particular significance for those involved in making overall decisions on matters of policy and design.