Document Delivery: the Agris Cooperative Solution

Abstract

Access to primary documents remains one of the most difficult problems facing users of bibliographic information systems. The problems and difficulties encountered in developing countries are outlined. The major obstacles to access to the world agricultural literature are mainly financial and organizational. Document delivery should qualify for development aid. The proposed AGRIS cooperative solution through an exchange coupon scheme is described. This scheme, based on circulating redeemable coupons, would enable AGRIS centres to exchange conventional as well as nonconventional documents. It aims to ensure equitable access to primary agricultural literature for all countries.