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Examines key issues and important developments in UK interlending during 1998. Provides an update on progress in various document delivery projects, including those of eLib, and highlights the importance of the ISO ILL protocol. Also summarises the work of the clumps projects, yet questions how far their reliance on Z39.50 can benefit ILL, and reports on new initiatives in electronic journals. Positive developments in areas such as interlending to the blind, retroconversion, distance learning and cross‐sectoral cooperation are contrasted with news of how economic difficulties have affected services in a wide range of interlending agencies.

The traditional inter‐library loan of monographs is often seen as the future niche of interlending activity, with journal article supply being catered for by other means, such as full text access through e‐journals. Examines how a monograph interlending pilot project, undertaken by CURL institutions, is part of a move towards a more distributed interlending model for the UK. Describes the project, presents statistical figures, and outlines results from feedback questionnaires. Shows the relationship to SHARES, RLG’s interlending program, and how the pilot has affected international interlending. Calls for other models to support the new interlending paradigm.

Examines the current state of interlending and document delivery from a UK perspective. In particular, focuses on four trends that have recently gained momentum and come to the fore – international interlending, resource discovery, online access to full text and the problem of monographs, and unmediated requesting. Reports on developments in these areas and the way one area will influence another. Document delivery is widening in scope and meshing with serials and acquisitions in an electronic environment, while traditional ILL is focusing on more problematical areas. Also looks at how the activities of the British Library are shaping events.

This paper describes the implementation of the Aleph500 system in the libraries of King’s College London, with special emphasis on the interlibrary loans (ILL) module. King’s is a large, multi‐site institution undergoing rapid change, with diverse ILL practices in operation following a history of mergers with other institutions. The Aleph system architecture is outlined and what this means in terms of the libraries using it. Each key step of ILL processing is explained. However, this is not simply a description of how the module works, instead concentration is focused on the process of developing the beta version of the ILL module. In this way an insight is gained into the process of evolution and problem solution, from the initial test phase through to the point of use, incorporating future development. Relationships with other modules are also described.

The aim of this paper is to show that an electronic signature for copyright can be achieved in the UK.

The article outlines, as a case study, the drivers for change that influenced the revisiting of the issue of electronic signatures for copyright by the University of Plymouth (UoP), how that signature has been achieved, and how the process has improved the document delivery service through the establishment of an electronic “request‐to‐delivery” service.

The article finds that significant improvements in the ability of document delivery services to provide a fast and efficient service, with regard to the delivery of article copy requests, can be made through the utilisation of modern computing technology, current UK legislation, and the alternative delivery methods offered by suppliers, particularly the British Library.

This article demonstrates that an electronic signature is achievable and that significant improvements can be made in document delivery services as a result, both in terms of request turn around times and in the ability to offer the same standard of service to all users, regardless of their current geographic location.

Aside from a brief mention in an article published in 2004 by Stephen Prowse, no UK library has openly admitted to using electronic signatures for copyright. This is the first article to describe one University's systems architecture and processes that have enabled an electronic signature for copyright to be achieved and presents evidence that the time spent investigating and delivering an electronic request‐to‐delivery service has a real value – a substantial improvement in document delivery to all users, regardless of where they are based.

Describes recent developments in interlending in the UK, including eLib projects, electronic journals, the growth of commercial suppliers and resource‐sharing initiatives. Also looks at interlending activity in recent years and how this affects different types of material. Progress in other document delivery projects is examined as well as prospects for future development. A report on the effect of local government reorganisation on interlending is considered, as is a proposal for a large‐scale retroconversion project. Some points and recommendations from the first national survey on “Why requests fail” are listed. Stresses the importance of taking work done on various reports forward.

The purpose of this paper is to provide a review of recent developments in remote document supply and related matters in the UK.

The article is based on a range of articles, reports, papers and web sites.

With the decline in remote document supply the future participation of a key institution is called into question. While there are few other realistic options, the two leading alternatives are engaged in a battle for the same market. Furthermore, the future of key standard underpinning transactions is also uncertain.

The article provides an overview of current developments in UK document supply by an experienced practitioner.

The paper seeks to provide a review of recent developments in remote document supply and related matters in the UK.

The article is based on a range of articles, reports, books, papers and web sites.

Remote document supply is in decline, and this trend is likely to continue. Advances in technology open the way for unmediated requesting and supply. Collaborative off‐site stores are emerging as the solution to library space problems while preserving access to collections.

The article provides an overview of current developments in UK document supply by an experienced practitioner.

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.