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Susan Martin identified in 1986 three factors responsible for a dramatic change in automated networking environment; the first of which was the use of microcomputers, which enable libraries to accomplish locally, what once could be achieved only by joining with others. Microcomputers are used either in a stand‐alone mode or in connection with mainframes. There are no longer microcomputers for small libraries and mainframes (or minis) for large libraries; both use microcomputers. But we can wonder if there is not an automation configuration for poor libraries with stand‐alone functions on microcomputers, and another for wealthy libraries integrating functions in a total information system.

Despite its relative youth, INIST has rapidly become an important player in the document supply scene both in France and internationally. The article describes INIST's digitisation process, which commenced in 1990. The aim is to provide around 45% of total document delivery from the electronic store, although currently only half this figure is provided, for reasons outlined. The future of document delivery is considered: cooperation with publishers is needed for experimentation with ‘real’ electronic publishing.

Examines contemporary French initiatives to harness advances in information technology to upgrade document supply services in the national library system. Interlibrary loan and document supply had not been organized in France, up to the last few years, and the creation of the Bibliotheque Nationale de France and European projects for libraries once again raise the question of a national system for document delivery. At the same time the recent awareness of the importance of getting the right information when it is needed, along with the possibilities offered by new information technologies, have triggered rapid growth of document supply activities in France. In order to respond to the demand, INIST is preparing a profound mutation, setting up new organizational rules and integrating all the more advanced technologies available for document storage and electronic transfer.

Copyright is frequently mentioned at library IT conferences as a slight problem to be overcome. Instead, this article affirms that it is a major impediment which affects all players in the electronic information chain. Problems are reviewed both from the point of view of information professionals and copyright holders. The author suggests that librarians could take on the role of ‘emulsifier’ in mixing copyright and information.

The first Microlib conference was held in 1988 and some of the papers presented there appeared in subsequent issues of Program. The second Microlib conference was held at the same location, the Penta Hotel in Lisbon, from the 14th to the 16th of May 1991. As before, the conference was organised by Consinfor, a Portuguese consultancy company specialising in the information field. Staff from Consinfor have been involved over the years in helping organisations choose database software and design databases; they have also been involved in the organisation of other relevant seminars, exhibitions and conferences. Microlib '91 was sponsored by the Portuguese firm, Time Sharing, and the Dutch serials subscriptions agency, Swets.

An association — Geomail — has been formed consisting of private electronic mail system operators, designed to provide a full international service.

Discusses organisation, automation and performance measurement aspects of interlibrary loan department management, and developments in charging for and the preservation of ILL items. Highlights the problems of ILL in developing countries, and changes and developments in the rest of the world. Considers electronic document delivery systems, the effect of technological advances on libraries and the “Burgundy effect”.

Librarians are finding it increasingly difficult to acquire and to make available to their users the full range of information in print form that they require. Electronic information products and services are appearing at a rapidly increasing rate. Users find them attractive and, when available, use them more heavily than print sources. Consequently, librarians in response to the demands of users, and overwhelmed by the problems posed by print publications, are attempting to make electronic sources available. This paper describes the nature of the problems posed by print publications and trends involving the use of electronic documents in libraries. It discusses the progress made toward introducing electronic documents as alternatives, and complements, to print collections. It also describes a study that the IFLA Information Technology Section is undertaking to assess how rapidly libraries are adopting alternatives to locally held, print sources.

Attention is given to some of the arguments for and against the use of computer‐based networks and services in the United States of America, to likely effects of the new US copyright law, and to the costs of interlibrary lending. The ability of the Federal Republic of Germany to satisfy international loan requests is examined, as is the use of the ISBN in union catalogue construction and its role in interlibrary /ending. The possibility of establishing a central loan collection in New Zealand is considered, and statistics of interlibrary lending in France are presented.