Fees for service in medical library networks

In 1969 the Cleveland Health Sciences Library began an Institutional Membership. This was to be a fee-for-service arrangement to provide for library service, consultation on library and related matters, and development of educational programs for a wide range of institutional staff. Over fifty institutions now belong. Experience suggests that serious questions are raised by such a relationship between a resource library and libraries in a number of institutions. The membership involves a per capita cost for Cleveland hospitals with house staff, and a cost-plus-fixed-fee for others. Total access has been provided in hopes that experience in use can lead to the development of costs and policies.