Dear ILL colleagues,
As you may know the Inter-Library Loans department here at
Cambridge University Library has been self-financing since
1974 when we became a back-up library to Boston Spa, and
this financial arrangement continued when back-up libraries
ceased to exist as such in 2001.
Since 2001 the level of demand has dropped and we have now
reached a point where, as we are not 'breaking even' financially
(even bearing in mind the increase of our charges last week), the
future of the department has to be considered. The Library is
unable to subsidise the department and so, unless there is a
substantial increase in demand, the service we provide to
libraries will have to stop in three or four months and some
staff will face redundancy.
The probable loss of this service to you is very much regretted
by the staff here, as over the years, particularly since October
2001, we have built up a good relationship with a large number
of libraries.
I will keep you all informed of any developments.
Barry Eaden
Head of ILL
Cambridge University Library
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