Discusses the relationship between these strategies and the British Library's Statement of Strategic Objectives, which was developed in parallel with the Centre's Plan. They manage, at a local level, the various processes associated with requesting and obtaining documents. ILL management systems can run as stand-alone systems or as part of integrated housekeeping systems. Integration can offer, via the circulation module, ongoing control of interlibrary loans, in addition to loans from the library's own stock, using the same borrower file. It may be possible to request ILL items via the online catalogue if the user has failed to find an item in stock.
Systems can also provide management information and control the loan of items to other libraries.
Developments in networking will move interlending and document supply from their present peripheral position in library services to centre stage, although the charges are part of a long-established and continuing process, rather than a dramatic departure from past practice. Outlines the reasons why electronic information will continue to become more competitive than traditionally published sources and discusses some of the consequences of change. In the process of change Eastern Europe is well placed to benefit from Western development and, already, shows signs of making more substantial progress. Makes suggestions for individual and institutional actions. Such infrastructures are less developed in many Third World countries, including Nigeria.