Extending our reach: resource sharing in Irish libraries Available to Purchase

This paper reviews current trends in interlending and document supply in Ireland and speculates on the issues and implications raised by the increase in British Library interlending and document supply charges. The pressures on library and information services, both public and academic, to provide efficient means of access to an increasing amount of (electronic) materials for full‐ and part‐time students as well as those pursuing distance learning programmes are discussed. The role of the new electronic environment in facilitating learning by both the academic and the wider community is also described. Concludes by stressing that co‐operation is essential but comes at a cost.