Designed to ease communication and resource sharing by libraries across the nation, this directory lists 968 cooperating library organizations. Library networks are listed by state and are arranged alphabetically within each state listing. Each entry includes the network name, acronym (if any), address, name and title of the director of…

Discusses the pros and cons of library cooperation as exemplified by interlibrary loan and OCLC. Moving away from cooperation toward the more intensive use of local systems is suggested as one alternative for the future. (MES)

Describes a communications, materials booking, and interloan system in a Canadian public library system which allows equal participation of all sizes of libraries. The system has reduced the percentage of requests not found, improved turnaround time, is more cost effective, and has generated a higher respect for resource sharing. (EM)

Discussion of union catalogs and bibliographic networks covers library cooperation, interlibrary lending, the British Library Lending Division, and other functions of bibliographic networks such as cataloging. Criticisms of bibliographic utilities are also presented, including the negative effect of library cooperation on local book availability.…

Following historical background on the 46 School Library Systems in New York State, the following topics relating to the systems are discussed: (1) mandates set up for the systems by the State Board of Regents; (2) required 3-year Plans of Service which explain how the mandates will be carried out; (3) governance; (4) funding; (5) creation of…

Identifies five institutional forms of library consortia, one of which is local consortia or proximal networks, and discusses issues that apply to local library consortia. Highlights include redefinition of the library role, appropriate technology, bibliographic control, direct access, governance, and financing. (10 references) (CLB)

Reviews the history of the relationship between OCLC and the regional networks, and examines current stresses in this relationship. Strategies that might be used to preserve this partnership are suggested. (1 reference) (Author/CLB)

This paper on interlibrary loan and document supply in Malaysia covers the following topics: (1) trends and development in Malaysia; (2) the potential of inter-lending and document delivery programs, including the creation of a Malaysian bibliographic network; (3) number of libraries, including a table that shows the total number of libraries in…

Presents a case study of Empire Express, a resource sharing network among the libraries of the State University of New York (SUNY) University Centers at Albany, Binghamton, Buffalo, and Stony Brook, along with Syracuse University. The network involves an expedited interlibrary loan service. (Author/LRW)

Examines the dilemmas of participation in resource sharing library networks and proposes solutions based on shifting inducements toward contribution by remunerating the contributing library for the unit cost of original cataloging. A "contribution pricing" model recently announced by OCLC is also evaluated as a possible solution. (21…

Describes patterns of interlibrary loan (ILL) activity based on analysis of transactions from the OCLC ILL System from 1986-91. Highlights include growth in borrowing and lending; borrowing and lending by type of library and by state; and recommendations for libraries and OCLC to ensure future growth. (LRW)

Examines the relationship of OCLC and the regional library networks and suggests possible future trends. Common values among the networks are discussed, including a commitment to resource sharing and representing the interests of their members; and the influences of advances in technology are described. (three references) (LRW)

This document summarizes the activities of a conference held at the Institute of Finance Management in Tanzania on information resource sharing in Southern and Central Africa. Delegates and observers from Lesotho, Swaziland, Mozambique, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Zambia, and Tanzania attended the conference. The 15 participants, 8 sponsored by…

Information on library networks that was included in a survey conducted by the Center for Education Statistics--the "Survey of Library Networks and Cooperative Library Organizations: 1985-1986"--indicates that there were 760 library networks at that time, with aggregate library membership estimated to be 76,280. Over three-fourths of the networks…

Traces the development of library networking over the last 20 years, and examines the current attitude toward an integrated national network. The political and economic problems of the Linked Systems Project are discussed, as well as issues relating to copyright. (10 references) (Author/CLB)