Does the interlibrary loan exist ?

Interlibrary loan (ILL) is largely a myth in French scientific university libraries, as everywhere in the world. Copies are generally sent instead of original documents. From this point of view, the current process of the so-called ill is documented and critically evaluated : statistics, staff, end-users and cost. ill is a very costly service for a minority of library users. Limitations of budget together with electronic publishing should encourage French university libraries to speed up larger cooperative prospects. A large national central documentary utility and smaller regional ones seem to be the most efficient and cost effective solution.
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