Resource sharing is a choice for many libraries around the world; for example, in cataloging, in using and sharing systems and in the exchanging and donating documents. Document exchange (i.e. books, journals, maps) is a co-operative method between libraries in the same city, region or territory, in which documents that may not serve the purpose of the library or it is available in multiple copies can be forwarded to other interested libraries. Thus, libraries with fewer resources can access material they could not previously have.
The National Library of Greece (NLG), aiming at the proportional distribution of items between the libraries of the Greek Library Network (GLN), designed, developed and has piloted the “Document Exchange and Donation Service”, intending to enrich libraries collections across the country. At the same time, the goal is to cultivate a spirit of sharing multiple items between GLN libraries and strengthen their cooperation. NLG, among other libraries, will supply the new Service with thousands of new titles each year from Legal Deposit, ensuring that the country's libraries can develop their collections equally. All public libraries in the country will be able to donate and receive items without any fee.
The current paper will present the pilot launch of the Service, which resulted from the cooperation of NLG, the Libraries and Information Centers of Panteion University, the Harokopio University of Athens, and the Library of the Eugenides Foundation. The history of the cooperation that led to the development of the Service, its purpose and objectives will be described. Finally, the operating policy of the Exchange Service and the conditions for a library participation in it will be referred.