Since the mid 1960s there has been considerable activity in the applica tion of mathematical models to library systems, in particular academ ic library systems. This paper reviews some of the approaches taken since then in trying to provide help to librarians, particularly in the areas of loan and duplication policy. The paper considers analytic and statisti cal models, stochastic models and simulation models, describing some of the major contributions in each area, with examples described where appropriate.
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