Interlending and document supply: Hopes and fears for 1992

Abstract

1992 will bring the Single European Market in which many of the existing barriers to European integration will be removed. This applies not only to trade but free movement of goods, rights of residence and work and many other aspects of life. This should be an opportunity to improve the free flow of documenta between countries through the interlibrary loan and document supply network . Customs barriers and restrictions on agency agreements for publishers may make life easier but there is no immediate sign on monetary union which would simplify the payment for international interlending transactions. However, many of the barriers that exist will not be removed by the changes in 1992. Problema will still exist with telecommunications and postal services with differing prices and, worse, different standards of service. The difficult issue of copyright will not be resolved as the EC is not at present looking at reprography as an area of harmonization. Other barriers such as language and professional reluctance to cooperate internationally cannot be changed by legislation. Although 1992 may bring some improvements, there will still be a long way to go.