TELEFACSIMILE USE IN US LIBRARIES

The impact of telefacsimile in the United States has been negligible, only three states having state‐wide telefacsimile networks. The speed of service achieved by the use of telefacsimile to transmit journal articles is offset by high costs and the need for libraries to change their interlibrary loan operations to use the system efficiently. A better use of telefacsimile is for transmitting interlibrary loan requests and messages. An interlibrary loan form designed for transmission by telefacsimile can save time and work for the libraries involved and it is cheaper than using TWX or telephone. It is also especially good for foreign language requests. Transmission of journal articles is not yet economically feasible but if faster equipment, giving clearer copy, were produced at a reasonable price it would be. Libraries should co‐operate to decide what equipment is needed and then press manufacturers to develop it.