Although Global Resource Sharing will be of interest for librarians specialising in interlibrary lending, I was, from the title, expecting a publication that considers all types of resource sharing – especially repositories, and perhaps some innovative means of sharing on an individual level. A sub-title reflecting the focus on interlibrary lending might make the book less marketable, but would mean that the reader has a clearer idea of what to expect.
This book has seven chapters and an appendix with case studies. These include an introductory chapter, a brief history of international interlibrary lending and document supply, a PEST and SWOT analysis of interlibrary loans, an overview of current practices, case studies in global resource sharing, a selection of case studies, and views on the future of global resource sharing. The chapter on the PEST and SWOT analysis, although very brief, includes an excellent list of references for further reading. The case studies cover Argentina, Canada, Israel, The Netherlands, Sweden, the UK and the USA. A very useful glossary and list of acronyms as well a bibliography is included at the end of the book.
The bibliography includes a spectrum of up-to-date references. It is also, however, interesting to note the need to cite some very old sources to set the history of interlibrary lending in context. Noting the roots of services and philosophies in library and information services is in my opinion very important. Publication dates such as 1966, 1975, 1952 (Wright on interlibrary loans smothered in tradition) and even 1928 (Young on the theory and practice of interlibrary loans) and a 1908 publication on “Borrowing books across the ocean” take the reader back to the roots of resource sharing.
Each chapter starts with an abstract and keywords, as well as a chapter overview or introduction. The book concludes with a list of references; sometimes a quite extensive and recommendable list.
From the authors' note in the introductory chapter it seems as if Global Resource Sharing is intended for those who are new to the library and information profession or interlibrary and document supply (p. 7). Since it is not a step-by-step guide of practicing interlibrary lending, I am, however, not quite sure how useful it would be for newcomers to the field. For some of the other intentions of the authors such as tips on streamlining complex workflow and ways to network, getting involved and advocating for support – I would strongly advise the use of sub-headings to bring such issues to the front, and to make it easy for readers to re-trace such information when needed. It should not be hidden in the flow of discussion.
Although Global Resource Sharing sketches a good scenario for interlibrary lending and its importance in the global context, I can recommend it only for a limited audience: those with a definite interest in interlibrary lending and its management and promotion.
