The PRICE OF CO‐OPERATION

I have often heard at conferences at which a general resolution in favour of co‐operation in the library and information field is put, a reply by Americans to the effect that we all love our mothers and are against sin. It is easy enough to get a conference to agree that co‐operation is a good thing, but not so easy to get all the members to agree to take specific steps: there always seems to be some very good reason why somebody should not do something which it is essential he should do if a project is to succeed. No doubt we have all had similar experiences and wondered why it should be that it is so difficult to operate a scheme which is plainly to the general benefit, and no doubt many of us have at times wondered if the game is worth the candle.