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This article has been withdrawn as it was published elsewhere and accidentally duplicated. The original article can be seen here: 10.1108/02641619810213745. When citing the article, please cite: J. Eric Davies, Anne Morris, (1998), “Weighing up the options for document supply: a description and discussion of the FIDDO Project”, Interlending & Document Supply, Vol. 26 Iss: 2, pp. 76 - 82.

The development of information technology (IT) networks in the delivery of a range of material to learners in higher education is explored. Factors which influence the application of IT are described and learner characteristics and needs are enumerated. The range of learning material appropriate to, and the mechanisms for, IT delivery are examined. Some examples of provision are noted. Strategic issues and the strengths and weaknesses of networked access are analysed. Prospects for developing systems and the requirements are discussed. The results of a small scale survey of provision in academic institutions are reported and discussed in a second part of the paper.

Explores the strategic management of document and information supply with reference to developments in higher education and the academic library and information services and systems context. It emphasises the evolutionary nature of the issue and performs a generalised environmental analysis of the situation. It identifies and discusses critical factors including: the availability of resources, the nature of demand, the dynamics of information, and changes in culture. Strategic factors of information demand and delivery are considered from both the users’ and LIS managers’ perspectives. Various information and document access scenarios are contrasted, including: traditional collections, interlibrary loan, document delivery and “virtual” networked collections. A section on access issues critically interprets the character of the various approaches currently available. Management’s need for adequate and appropriate information for planning document supply is identified and some observations are made on the contribution of the e‐Lib programme and its components to the issue. The Loughborough‐based FIDDO project is specifically mentioned.

Describes the development of a “novel” self‐guided tour exercise for user orientation at the Pilkington library Loughborough Universiy of Technology. Sketches the background to the project and considers the factors leading to a move away from “traditional” conducted library tours, including their perceived lack of effectiveness, and resource intensity at a time of pressure. Includes a consideration of the impact of library organization on orientation and users generally. Outlines the philosophical basis, and aims and objectives of the Loughborough approach to orientation before describing how the programme evolved in detail. This comprises a self‐guided tour, supported by printed material as its main component, together with a limited number of individually tailored extended tours for users with specialized needs. Describes the practical introduction of the programme within the university, including publicity and evaluation. Concludes with a description of the task force involved in the project.

I will attempt (albeit briefly) to give an overview of the profession's formal involvement in data protection. My objectives will be threefold. Firstly, to sketch some of the background of the library and information profession's concern with data protection. Secondly, to indicate what is happening currently (and there is a great deal happening), and thirdly to outline how and where I see matters developing in the future. This particular gathering may well provide a useful input into this last area because it is really up to the individual members of the profession to indicate where the effort and development on this subject should be concentrated. Those close to the issue (too close it feels at times) have their own specialised view of things, but there is a danger that the general interests of the profession are not sufficiently regarded and pursued unless frequent soundings are taken.

This paper presents an overview of past and present research projects associated with electronic document delivery. The paper briefly outlines the Follet Report and introduces the UK's Electronics Libraries Programme, including the recently funded Focused Investigation of Document Delivery (FIDDO) project at Loughborough University. Four research areas have been identified as follows: resource sharing projects; network communication projects; electronic scanning projects and electronic document delivery systems. Conclusions highlight the major impact that technological developments are currently having on this area, the need for librarians to reassess their role in the information chain, and the need for delivery systems capable of handling different formats and a wider coverage of material to satisfy requests.

Outlines the dynamic and complex information delivery environment facing managers, and describes the eLib‐funded FIDDO (Focused Investigations of Document Delivery Option) Project’s aims, organisation and activities to date. The project seeks to establish reliable information on document delivery to assist managers in decision making. The project has formal structure and management to enable consultation and liaison with relevant expertise and interests. Work to date is described, including literature reviewing, document delivery vendor study, World Wide Web‐based information dissemination point, national survey of interlibrary loan practices, exchange of experience workshop, and “live” field trials.