On document supply in the digital world

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to provide insight into the evolution of document supply from traditional print copy delivery to a modern service of resource discovery and secure electronic supply. Design/methodology/approach - The study is based on evidence from empirical data at INIST, as well as enquiries and case studies from other suppliers and customers. Findings - Four topics are presented: the customers' needs, the use of new technologies in the front- and back-office, resource sharing and networking on the national and international level, and the negotiation of copyright agreements with publishers. Originality/value - Based on evidence, an overall synthesis is given on significant developments, providing outlines of the future of document supply.