Why should public libraries use electronic data interchange?

Abstract

The savings that could be made by UK public libraries through the use of electronic data interchange (EDI) are demonstrated. The findings stem from a one-year research project funded by the British National Bibliographic Research Fund during the period 1998 through to the end of August 1999. The results suggest that wider adoption of EDI could potentially save the sector somewhere in the region of L2 million per annum. Cultural barriers, however, and the lack of resources present 2 major barriers to these savings being achieved. Further research is needed to qualify such estimates. However, the research does demonstrate that, for those authorities examined, cost savings have been achieved.