The National Library is the hub of the resource-sharing network known as the Southern African Interlending Scheme (SAIS)

Libraries and other information-related organizations, that are members of SAIS can borrow sources from one another. Journals are not lent out, but copies of articles are supplied instead. Any library, organisation or school may join the Scheme.

The 500 plus SAIS members have access to Southern African information resources plus those of Africa, plus resources in overseas countries, using sophisticated database searches to trace information, from its own collections and from foreign libraries and institutions by International liaison with and participation in international systems for resource sharing. Examples of these resources are: OCLC FirstSearch and our own ISAPOnline.

Membership of SAIS entitles you to :

* request and supply library materials (photocopies and loans) to and from other SAIS members.

* the Interlending Manual, an interlending reference tool and procedures and policy manual, to guide you on all interlending processes.

* An annual updated SAIS address list:

click here to see limited information if you are not a member

click here to see complete information if you are a member

To become an active member of this Scheme and share in the benefits:

* Register as a member. Please complete the application form.

* Click here to update your corporate contact information interactively for immediate effect in the database.

* Buy Southern African Interlending Scheme (SAIS) Stationery.

Detail of the country's national interlending statistics are collected annually by the National Library of SA for the International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA). All SAIS members must provice us with their organisation's statistics.

Please complete the online form with your organisation's latest annual statistics.