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Aims. The aims of this study were (i) to determine the success rate for obtaining conference papers by using e-mail, and (ii) to compare the results with those found previously for reprints of published papers. Method. 100 requests for copies of papers delivered at a conference in the USA were made by e-mail from the UK. A reminder was sent to the appropriate authors if no paper had been received within three weeks. Results. 54 papers were received within six weeks. Most came by return or within one day, and all came electronically. Few of these papers could be described as conference papers, however, as the majority of them were copies of papers prepared for publication elsewhere. In addition, many lacked the information necessary for them to be adequately cited in other publications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]