ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book begins the discussion with an examination of challenges facing academic libraries and the library profession. It offers insight into the role and activities of the research libraries using studies from LSU. The book explores the use of commercial document delivery services in libraries and discusses a multitude of issues including the speed of delivery, the breadth of coverage, access versus ownership, and responsibility for cost recovery. It concludes the conference presentations with descriptions of the different options for document delivery and considerations in selecting document delivery products. The book outlines some of the developments in remote access and CD-ROM products and puts forth selection criteria.
