The Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) supports IT projects of German libraries with a special funding program for Modernization of Academic Libraries. Between 1998 and 1993 the main areas of project activity have been OPAC-user-interfaces, CDROM networks, automatic cataloguing and indexing, SR/Z39.50, ILL, and internet working of union Cataloguing Systems. A recent evaluation of the program indicates that projects were not primarily concerned with cost reduction and stretching of financial resources, but rather were aimed at improvements of service quality and the formation of a competitive industry structure in the libraries sector