The purpose of this paper is to provide a review of recent developments in remote document supply and related matters in the UK.
The paper is based on a range of articles, reports, papers and web sites.
Fundamental changes are required for the British Library to continue to support RDS to HE libraries. A Steering Group has been established to agree and then recommend these changes to the sector. Problems caused by encryption continue to dog RDS processes and innovation, and can be felt in other areas such as digitisation. Switching software appears to offer a short‐term solution for RDS, while a longer‐term resolution will depend on publishers following the lead of the music industry. For digitisation, Google appears set on exerting tighter control over an ever‐increasing amount of content.
The paper provides a summary of views regarding document supply.
