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When the initial library networks were established in the United States, they provided affordable, online automation services that were available from virtually no other source. The surge of automation experienced by American libraries for the past two decades has altered the historical relationships that characterize library cooperation. Local networks are being created and machine‐readable products previously available only from the networks are now being packaged on optical media and distributed to individual institutions. With these technological advances, the need for, services offered by, and financial viability of the networks have begun to undergo dramatic change. This is also a time of great opportunity for libraries and networks. There is on the horizon what may be the infrastructure for a national information network. The realization of this network will require close cooperation of librarians, who have embraced the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) Reference Model for networking, and members of the academic and research community, which is still relying heavily on the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocols (TCP/IP) for communications purposes.

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.

Information technology is gradually making an impact on the organization of interlending. Bibliographic access is improving but document delivery has not kept pace. Rapid developments in electronic publishing and optical disc technology are likely to change this, although cost will be a barrier for the immediate future. Telefacsimile transmission has become a quicker and more reliable means of document delivery. Optical discs can not only store information but can be indexed and searched, and would achieve rapid document delivery, with the production of hard copy for users. It is doubtful, however, whether most users want fast supply, and whether it is worth the extra cost. The concept of copyright may need reviewing in the light of electronic media. Payment will be required for every use, and libraries could be bypassed. Optical discs and associated equipment may themselves be shared among libraries. ILL departments as such may no longer be needed, because the operations will be absorbed in line functions such as reference, acquisitions and circulation, but ILL knowledge and skills will be needed more than ever.

The major bibliographic utilities in North America were established in the 1970s. What role are they playing in the 1980s? This select bibliography provides a synopsis of what is happening in the world of bibliographic utilities.

NRCd have produced a useful pamphlet which, because of machine development, unfortunately will soon be out of date. In discussing six ‘full‐size’ COM fiche readers a phrase such as “The Agfa‐Gevaert LF 303 is essentially similar to the LF 101 reader…” repeatedly occurs. These machines are subject to the same face‐lift operations (continuous development) as the motor car though the design of one of the most highly recommended models, also “one of the older readers in this group”, has been stabilised for some years; it, the Microscot NMI 90 has had at least one change of name: it used to be the Scottish Instruments NMI 90!

Interlending activities in various countries, particularly in academic libraries, are examined. The growth of networking and the importance of a strong infrastructure are discussed. A system of cost recovery for large net‐lenders is outlined. Developments in copyright are reviewed.

Verification is always a controversial topic, even establishing what it means and whether it is really necessary. The development of interlending in France and New Zealand is on very different lines and whether to join a national network or a local co‐operative is a problem faced by many: the solution is that probably both are necessary. Scandinavia has a long tradition of co‐operation and similar patterns have developed in each country. The results of a survey on document supply for business in Finland show that this is generally successful, with considerable reliance on international sources. The theory and practice of ILL in Tunisia differ considerably and the need for specialized document supply centres in Latin America is explored. Some of the problems of international financial limitations can be solved by a coupon system such as that proposed for AGRIS. The decision to introduce payments for ILL in Australia has caused much concern and a lot of anger and similar problems are now being faced in France with the restructuring of finances for universities. Statistical research into ILL is valuable but can cause problems unless written up well for a more general audience. Finally it is shown that document supply as an industry continues to grow throughout the world.

This article explores the relationship of commercial document delivery services with libraries in an arena traditionally dominated by interlibrary services, focusing on the supply of article photocopies. Major trends in interlibrary lending and private sector services are summarized. Commercial services are divided into two groups: collection‐specific and full‐service suppliers. The article explores the fit of commercial services in a resource‐sharing environment. Evidence is presented that corporate libraries are more likely to use commercial services than their academic counterparts. Speed of delivery is found to be the vital factor to librarians in both types of libraries, although economic issues are also important. The article concludes with a discussion of the private sector in developing and introducing new technology for document delivery.

Algermissen, Virginia, Penny Billings, Sandra Grace, Barbara Guidry, and John Blair. “Subminute Telefacsimile for ILL Document Delivery.” Information Technology and Libraries, I (Sept., 1982), 274–5.