Delivery of primary documents by the National Technical Library, Hungary, invoked by SDI and online services

Abstract

The quantity of primary document needs invoked by computerized information services (SDI, online) during five years of their existence has doubled in the National Technical Library, and reached 2097 requests in 1983. The growth was enhanced in 1983 by the online services introduced in that year (650 requests). The highest proportion of the requests is journal papers (71,0%). Compared to 1979 data, the requests for conference papers have decreased, while those for research reports have increased. The delivery time should, however, be shortened. In this respect the Library's holdings is, naturally, in the most advantageous position: more than two third of the requests could be delivered within five days. Compared to BLLD, interlibrary loan both from Hungarian and foreign libraries has proved to be a less reliable and a slower source. Especially annoying fact is that 131 document requests from the Library's own holding could be accomplished only beyond the acceptable period, 30 days. To avoid the delays and other deficiencies, the primary document delivery service should be improved.