Normally in return for receiving the material, national and international depository libraries agree to make the information freely available to the public in their area. The role of official deposit and exchange in an international environment is normally much broader, with large resource libraries assuming responsibilities for selecting, maintaining, organizing, providing readers services and dissemination extending to national or regional boundaries. On-site access is normally provided free of charge and other services at cost in accordance with individual depository library programs and agreements. They may vary in direct proportion to available resources. Evolving Trends Business models are being introduced through out public institutions around the world.
Managements are under pressure to cut budgets and show efficiencies.
It is suspected by many that short term benefits are given priority over the long-term public good. Business models are being implemented in public institutions to introduce more cost-effective programs. There may, for example, be no means to purchase pre-1990 publications, discarded in cost savings measures because they are not purchased as frequently and warehousing costs are high. Technology is allowing for easier accessibility and dissemination of information for a variety of publics due to an apparent low-cost dissemination via the internet. The trend among more technologically advanced nations and institutions, and national and international public organizations and agencies is to publish almost exclusively using Internet and CD-ROM technology.