A costing study of the document supply service at a Chinese research library: the case of Wuhan University Library

Purpose - This paper aims to report on a cost study of document supply at Wuhan University Library, and to investigate the difference in costs over time and the cost-effectiveness for the university. Design/methodology/approach - A quantitative approach is employed. Findings - The borrowing unit cost and lending unit cost decreased by 27 percent and 60 percent, respectively, between 2002 and 2004, but showed a small increase in 2006. Originality/value - The paper reveals the cost of document supply in a Chinese research library and proves that the cost could be lowered rapidly by taking effective measures. The paper also demonstrates that document supply is an effective way to resolve the library budgetary crisis as well as satisfying end-users' needs.