Collection development through exchanges: The experience of the third world

Provides a detailed account of the predicament of exchange librarians in developing countries. Publishing activity is relatively underdeveloped forcing the majority of the states to rely on foreign book imports. While exchanges may prove an excellent option for the acquisition of overseas materials, it cannot be a substitute for direct purchase as not all overseas titles can be exchanged for local materials. Exchanges stand to succeed only if the institutions concerned either have regular publications of their own that can be used as media for exchange, or if sufficient funds are made available for the library to purchase local materials to facilitate such a programme. Highlights problems inhibiting the growth of exchanges and concludes that communication can pose a serious threat if not properly contained.