Some Implications of the Trend in External Borrowing by University Libraries,I960/6I—I972/73

Abstract

During the period 1960/61—1972/73 university libraries became increasingly dependent upon external sources for the satisfaction of local demands. The scale of this trend is examined and certain implications considered. While it is possible to describe the fall in self-sufficiency levels in quantitative terms, little appears to be known about the qualitative effects of such changes. For librarians, as for universities generally, qualitative considerations are all- important. This paper represents an attempt to focus attention on this neglected, though crucial, issue.