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Enquires into the feasibility of a European interlending system. Considers which mechanism should be developed. Comments on location instruments, requesting, processing, transmitting mechanisms, charging procedures and copyright agreements. Concludes that location and requesting can be mastered but much more work will be needed on the other four components.

In a recent Unesco report entitled National interlending systems, four types of interlending system were identified; the fourth model (Model D) is unplanned decentralization. This is described as ‘not a system at all’; nevertheless it occurs frequently and, if the time and money necessary to set up better models are lacking, it is necessary to try to upgrade Model D. The cost of Models A, Band C (planned centralization or decentralization) should not be underestimated; they are perhaps applicable only to subcontinents. Union catalogues are necessary in decentralized systems, but their cost could be lowered by automation; speed of supply and goodwill on the part of net lenders can only be improved by cost recovery. Alternative methods of payment should be considered, including a system based on an international guarantee fund.

Acquisition is an essential element in Universal Availability of Publications. An extensive literature review and a questionnaire survey revealed that few countries have a national acquisition policy but that there are numerous examples of informal arrangements involving substantial numbers of libraries. Factors influencing the existence and nature of a national acquisition system include the level of national commitment to libraries, attitudes of libraries to co‐operation, and administrative responsibility for libraries. National plans must be geared to national needs and circumstances; systems may be centralized or decentralized (by subject or other features), and may be centrally planned or based on voluntary co‐operation. The National Library may have a critical role to play. Five possible models are: a centralized unit of first resort; a decentralized region‐based system; centralized national subject libraries; decentralized responsibilities; and a central collection of journals only. Each country can decide on the appropriate model for its situation and requirements.