SPEAKING FOR A CINDERELLA: UNPLANNED DECENTRALIZED INTERLENDING

In a recent Unesco report entitled National interlending systems, four types of interlending system were identified; the fourth model (Model D) is unplanned decentralization. This is described as ‘not a system at all’; nevertheless it occurs frequently and, if the time and money necessary to set up better models are lacking, it is necessary to try to upgrade Model D. The cost of Models A, Band C (planned centralization or decentralization) should not be underestimated; they are perhaps applicable only to subcontinents. Union catalogues are necessary in decentralized systems, but their cost could be lowered by automation; speed of supply and goodwill on the part of net lenders can only be improved by cost recovery. Alternative methods of payment should be considered, including a system based on an international guarantee fund.