In Search of a New Model: Library Resource Sharing in China - A Comparative Study

This paper reviews the framework of library resource sharing (LRS) in China and examines, from a comparative perspective, cases of recent development, particularly in the 1990s and early 2000s. Highlights include: (1) historical review of LRS in the U.S. and China, particularly in the areas of print union catalogs and union lists, online bibliographic utilities, and interlibrary loan; (2) literature review of Chinese publications, and LRS issues and challenges in China; (3) Analysis of three LRS models to provide a contextual grasp of a paradigm shift taking place in China; and (4) comparative analysis of LRS objectives, structure, and governance, etc., in the U.S. and China. The study also underscores the imperative for building a national digital library system in China to gain a competitive edge in resource sharing and to support the country’s rapid social and economic growth. At this stage of development, the success of China Academic Library & Information System provides a convincing argument for a national digital library system with its methods of governing, financing, and development

Library Consortia in China

This paper traces the history and development of library consortia in China from 1980 to the present. It also gives examples and descriptions of various types of library consortia in China, including academic, public, special, multi-type library consortia at the regional and national level

Lending and Borrowing across Borders: Issues and Challenges with International Resource Sharing

This article reports on a survey of U.S. libraries regarding international interlibrary loan. The survey was conducted by the ALA RUSA STARS International Interlibrary Loan Committee