Business information from library co-operatives

Abstract

There are currently some 30 local library co-operatives in the U.K., most of which aim to improve the level of information available to local industry. The British Library Research and Development Department has recently funded a survey of these co-operatives, which was undertaken by Capital Planning Information. The co-operatives are by no means uniform in structure and operate a wide range of charging policies. Almost all answer enquiries and provide inter-loans for members: a user survey revealed that the majority of members regard inter-loans and document delivery as the most important facility made available. The opportunity of making local contacts through the co-operative is also highly valued by participants. Some of the co- operatives are most successful, while others are inactive, and many are operating at a fairly low level. The researchers suggested that some of the co-operatives take measures to improve their performance, where necessary redefining the objectives of the organisation, to provide, in just one or two areas, a demonstrably better service than an individual participant can achieve alone.