Interlending and document supply: a review of the recent literature: 70

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a review of the most recent literature concerning document supply and related matters.Design/methodology/approachThis paper is based on the reading of over 150 journals as well as monographs, reports and web sites.FindingsThe paper finds that document supply (both returnables and non‐returnables) continues to grow in the USA albeit more modestly than in the past; however globally decline continues although again more modestly. The tension caused by the Big Deals and Serial backfiles consuming more and more of reduced library budgets will increase as the cuts bite. Statistical analysis of serial usage continues with interesting results showing that 50 per cent of journals in many libraries only account for a few percentage points of demandOriginality/valueThe paper is a useful source of information for librarians and others interested in document supply and related matters.