Abstract

Starting with the definition of cooperation offered by economic sciences, this article presents a theoretical-practical framework of interlibrary cooperation. On the one hand, from a philosophical base it uses Hobbes’ theory of the social pact as an explanatory model. On the other, and based in Library Science with a conceptual and historic perspective, it discusses the leading role that librarians and professional associations have assumed, as well as the tangible or economic reasons –and also the intangible factors– that move libraries to cooperate. A description and analysis of cooperative experiences in times of crises show how these practices have evolved.