Defines and describes three roles of library collections: archival, dispensing, and bibliographic. It is argued that the rise of remotely accessible materials makes possession less important relative to access, has implications for all three roles, and indicates a shift in emphasis away from collection development and conventional catalogs and…

Discusses with respect to the British Library the application of new technology, advisory committee problems, the value of the Lending Division and its potential problems, improvement of the Reference Division services, complaints concerning the Bibliographic Services Division, and objections regarding the Research and Development Department. (RBF)

Discusses concept of a national library service, and compares expenditures of the British Library with public libraries and polytechnic libraries. Issues related to the British Library's location, the services of its Lending Division, work supported by the Bibliographic Services Division, and images of the Reference Division are addressed. Listed…