Reports results of a study, undertaken at Cardiff University, of the effect of loan periods on the utilization of short loan books and corroborates these with results of an availability survey. Compares the results with those from a similar survey conducted at Sussex University (Journal of Documentation, 52 (2) Jun 1996, 139-162). Discusses the implications of the results for the conduct of availability surveys and the management of recommended reading collections and notes the potential advantages of electronic provision of short loan materials. Concludes that, if recommended reading resources are to be fully utilized, librarians must ensure not only the ready availability of the material but also the convenience with which it can be used.
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