Document supply and resource sharing in Portuguese libraries: the role of the National Library

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to describe the development of the Portuguese document supply system with particular emphasis on the role of the National Library but also in its academic and public library sectors.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is descriptive in nature.

Findings

Portugal emerged from a long period of monarchy and dictatorship, profited from being a EU member, and libraries are now exploiting the advantages of information technology particularly for the benefit of remote users.

Originality/value

This is probably the first overview of historical and recent developments in document supply in Portugal.

Citation

Gaudêncio Soares, E.M. (2010), "Document supply and resource sharing in Portuguese libraries: the role of the National Library", Interlending & Document Supply, Vol. 38 No. 1, pp. 31-36. https://doi.org/10.1108/02641611011025343