However, increased cost of equipment to the library would be a side effect. Other databases reside on a vendor or consortium main-frame or server. Costs of belonging to these organizations do not appear to be reflected in question 5. Some respondents have both networked and stand-alone systems. Six of these have no other means of access.
Respondents note that multiple access points are generally limited by contract agreements.
Electronic resource sharing may occur within the same institution as well as between outside groups. Responding institutions are in various stages of development regarding electronic access. Patrons currently have fewer access points than librarians and staff. One institution sets up bookmark files with resources of special interest to a particular use population within that library. Another institution has six public service areas, each of which has bookmarks according to individual collection and patron needs.