Rather than presenting a historical review or an inventory of existing services, both of which are the subject of other papers, interlibrary loan is discussed as part of overall library objectives, and in the context of the provisions of the Interlibrary Loan Code. By discussing two examples of networks in some depth, an attempt is made to arrive at some conclusions in regard to problems and successes, in terms of people, systems design, legislation, technology, and funding. A final section presents possible directions for the future and needed research. (Other papers from this conference are available as LI 003360 - 003369 and LI 003371 through LI 003390) (Author/NH)