THE BRITISH LIBRARY LENDING DIVISION IN 1984–85

Abstract

The year saw not only a sustained rise in total demand, by 3.5% to 2,871,000 requests but also marked the peak annual demand recorded. Both UK and foreign demand increased, the latter more than the former (1.6% and 11% respectively). Demand on the UK Urgent Action Service, a telephone request service for urgent requests, grew rapidly. The Division's Monograph Acquistions and Records System (MARS) expanded to 165,000 stock records. The Keyword Index to Serial Titles also grew both in size and coverage. The aquisitions programme was maintained despite unfavourable exchange rates. On‐line cataloguing of newly‐acquired books began early in 1984. Access to ‘grey literature’ was improved by the mounting of the System for Information on Grey Literature in Europe (SIGLE) database on BLAISE. A review of the Division's conservation and binding policies provided useful changes. The mini‐computer which processes all ART (Automatic Request Transmission) requests was linked to the British Telecom Packet Switch Stream network (PSS); 29% of all requests are now received by some form of automated means. Retrospective searches performed by MEDLARS increased markedly. A BL interdivisional Publications Sales Unit was set up at Boston Spa and the publications programme continued to be profitable. The Division continued discussions with publishers on electronic storage and document delivery. The latter part of the year saw the production of a divisonal plan as part of a wider British Library Strategic Plan.

Citation

(1985), "THE BRITISH LIBRARY LENDING DIVISION IN 1984–85", Interlending & Document Supply, Vol. 13 No. 3, pp. 71-77. https://doi.org/10.1108/eb008519