NATIONAL REPOSITORY PLANS AND PROGRAMMES

Abstract

A study of repository plans and practice has been carried out as part of the Universal Availability of Publications programme. The concept of a repository varies widely, but is generally equated with the storage, preservation and continued availability of low‐use material discarded by libraries through lack of space. Most repositories have a passive storage function rather than an active part in national interlending or acquisition systems, and relatively little attention has been given to them. Factors that influence the successful establishment of repositories include: the willingness and ability to transfer library stock; provision of buildings; the difficulties of managing repository stocks; relegation decisions; and user perceptions of their need for onsite access. Only nine countries were found to have co‐operative repositories, though many more had some storage facilities. Repository plans, but not their implementation, exist in some 12 countries. Australia, the Federal Republic of Germany and the German Democratic Republic are currently developing national policies. It is concluded, however, that repositories suffer in general from being a long‐term need that is given low priority in relation to recent and more glamorous developments