Whither 1984?

Abstract

British interlending has been dominated by the two-fold role of the British Library Document Supply Centre (BLDSC). This role has been first as the major supplier of items requested nu all types of libraries by providing a voucher 'currency' system. The BLDSC has undergone considerable computerisation of its activities over the past twenty years. Nineteen eighty-four, however, saw a series of dramatic developments. There were not just based on the BLDSC, but also concerned networks and management systems. The resultant changes are ongoing and have been considerable. Now, faced with financial cutbacks and increasing stock selectivity at the BLDSC, supported by changes elsewhere, British interlending systems are gradually developing the means to locate specific items rather than apply directly to the BLDSC for most requests. These latest developments have considerable repercussions nationally and also internationally.