CRITERIA FOR SELECTING MATERIAL FOR A CENTRAL LENDING STOCK

The concept of a central lending stock, has attracted much attention, but it has been slow to gain acceptance because countries have thought too much in terms of ‘all or nothing’. However, a totally comprehensive collection is impossible, and quite small collections can satisfy a high proportion of interlending demand. Selection should be of categories of material rather than individual items, the selection of which would be far too complex. Literature may be categorised by form (serials, monographs, etc), subject, language, purpose (academic, etc), and extent of demand. For each category the likely ratio of acquisition cost to demand, urgency of need, and availability from other sources can thus be assessed. An analysis of this kind, of which an example is given from British experience, can help to determine which categories of material may be candidates for acquisition for a central lending stock.