[Optimal exchange of resources and the administration of bibliographical services].

It is pointed out in this paper that an optimal exchange of resources requires a maximum availability of materials and services at minimum cost. The author is of the view that each activity of the biomedical information network will have to be subjected to critical scrutiny including a calculation of its costs. The overall plan will determine whether current activities can be maintained or expanded and new activities launched. The primary given to access to materials rather than to their possession is a step toward user-oriented networks, and therefore means that future development will be assessed in relation to the customer. The author is convinced that the recording and analysis of the use actually made of services by the user will generate many of the criteria that will govern some of the most important decisions to be taken in the future in connection with the network.