The Interlending of Fiction

Abstract

Reports on two recent surveys carried out by the IFLA Office for International Lending. The first, in 1991, showed fiction to be the poor relation in interlending. Reasons for this include slight demand, poor representation in union catalogues and the association of fiction with “frivolous” leisure reading. Nothing seems to be known about the nature of demand for fiction, some of which may be for serious research. There are several possible systems for access to, and the supply of, fiction for interlending. The second survey, in 1993, revealed that the great majority of countries have no policy on the interlending of fiction. Ideas on a policy were invited though some thought that no separate policy was needed. Recommends that any country trying to develop a policy should go about it in a systematic manner, starting with the collection of information on the acquisition of fiction and its use, and working out a policy in the light of relevant national legislation and practices and in consultation with participating libraries. Although most libraries responding to the survey thought that all fiction should be made available for interlending, the question of what, if any, restrictions should be imposed is a key area for consideration.

Citation

Barwick, M. and Line, M. (1994), "The Interlending of Fiction", Interlending & Document Supply, Vol. 22 No. 3, pp. 3-7. https://doi.org/10.1108/02641619410154835