INTERLENDING POLICIES AND PLANS IN THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY

Abstract

The present interlending situation in West Germany is outlined with a description of the several union catalogues which exist. The increase in interlending is examined and an explanation sought for it. Some deficiencies of German library provision are identified. The use of telex and the Datex system is seen as part of the solution but the limited capacity of the present computerised system has lead German librarians to carry out various experiments with it, based on the Cologne Union Catalogue. Various other projects, mostly based on Cologne, such as the use of ADP or microfiche for catalogues, are also outlined. The author concludes by pointing out that a German equivalent of the British Library would gain little support for both cultural and political reasons.