An Interlibrary Loan Network Among Academic Libraries of Saudi Arabia

ABSTRACT

Global information explosion, escalating prices of books and periodicals, fiscal constraints, and above all, demand for faster supply of information through electronic means has forced the academic libraries, world-wide, to share their resources through local, national, and regional cooperative networks to fulfill requirements of their patrons. The article presents a model plan of an interlibrary loan network (ILLN) among academic libraries of Saudi Arabia and discusses its organizational structure, governance, operational requirements, finances, etc. The proposed ILLN will be formal, regular, and systematic to provide greater cooperation, coordination, efficiency, cost effectiveness, and will ensure comprehensive sharing of available resources.