International exchange of scientific literature by U.S. academic health sciences libraries: a literature review and survey of current activities.

This paper reports results of a literature review and survey of current international exchange activities in 124 academic health sciences libraries in the United States. It describes the extent to which those libraries engage in exchange programs, the kinds of material sent and received, and the common problems in establishing and maintaining exchange relationships. Preferences of the respondents for future exchange programs are identified and recommendations for enhancing their value are made. The work reported is being used by the Medical Library Association Ad Hoc Committee on the International Exchange and Redistribution of Library Materials to develop a more workable and effective mechanism for continuing the international exchange of scientific literature and for facilitating the dissemination of scientific information to national and international network users.