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The article offers the author's views on the issues concerning the advocacy for public libraries in South Korea. Through the use of wide range of values as well as the ability of organizing information, the author believes in the enabling to advocate for libraries along with making influence to the political decision makers. Further, she stresses the significance of looking for partnerships within or with educational institutions, which will receive more attention from the respective department.

In only the first seven and half years of its existence from 1968-1974, the Malawi Censorship Board banned over 840 books, more than 100 periodicals and 16 cinematographic films. All publications in circulation in Malawi were subject to the control of the Board following the enactment of the Censorship and Control of Entertainment Act in 1968 which regulated and controlled the making and exhibition of any form of information source materials. Academic Departments like the Department of Political Studies at the University of Malawi were non existent while the history of the nation course at the university had to be taught selectively to avoid secret police interventions planted all over the country. Access to the National Archives of Malawi was strictly prohibited and manuscripts had to be strictly censored. The control of the fourth estate, the press, also got its share as no local paper dared to criticize or seen to be undermining the authority of the government. The only state controlled broadcaster Malawi Broadcasting Corporation was heavily monitored in any form while talk of television was a taboo until the multiparty era. Ground phone lines were intercepted in such a way that any conversation between two people could be closely monitored more especially foreign calls. Mobile phones never existed. This paper will try to look at some of the reasons and ways how access to certain information was prohibited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The comfort level with the technology and the ease of access to all kinds of information which it provides has privileged the web as the research tool of first choice among today's library users. Libraries are responding by introducing web-based reference services through email, instant messaging, live chat and/or virtual reality tools like 'Second Life' to meet the needs of these techno-literate users. Focusing on an academic library in the Caribbean, this paper contends that despite the perceived advantages of using technology to provide reference service, circumstances in the local environment militate against privileging virtual reference over traditional reference. The paper will examine issues such as the differing information research skill levels among students, the physical format of the library collection, the un/availability of the requisite professionals to staff a virtual service and the underlying role culture plays in this paradigm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents and discusses the method and results of a study done at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) in South Africa to determine the nature and extent of information sources used by postgraduate students in the health and biomedical sciences at that university, with special reference to the use of humanities information. The study covered the period 2004 - 2007 and used the reference lists of theses and dissertations of masters and doctoral students in the health and biomedical sciences at TUT as data sources. The outcome of the study showed that citation analysis is a valid, reliable and practical method to provide reasonably accurate information on the use of humanities literature by postgraduate students in health and biomedical sciences. At TUT, it enabled researchers to establish that postgraduate students in health and biomedical sciences at that university make only very limited use of humanities literature for doing their master's and doctoral research. This is notwithstanding the fact that students have wide access to humanities literature in both paper and electronic formats. With the aid of citation analysis, the researchers could also establish that health and biomedical sciences students at TUT are not averse to citing information sources beyond their own discipline; just over 3% of all citations were to information sources in the social sciences, which mostly comprised psychology, business, law, management and public administration. Although the reasons for the outcome of this study have not been investigated, the most likely explanations are probably because TUT does not offer a course in medical humanities, and because medical humanities seldom pertain to purely research papers in narrow scientific areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a previous paper the authors argued that effective information literacy education (ILE) must consider the indigenous cultural context of a country and tailor programmes according to this context. In this paper the discussion is carried further, with Laos as a case study of how culture and indigenous knowledge affect planning for ILE that is culturally and contextually appropriate. Based on interviews with 14 teachers in four Lao schools, the authors conclude that Hofstede's cultural dimensions are a valid means of understanding local cultural norms, and that these norms clearly affect how information literacy programmes should be planned and delivered. The authors also conclude that anyone involved in developing or promoting culturally and contextually appropriate ILE programmes should call upon the teachers' own indigenous knowledge of the local educational context and their own ways of incorporating indigenous knowledge from their community as a teaching resource. Finally, suggestions are offered regarding how culturally sensitive ILE can contribute to global understanding by incorporating learning contexts that demonstrate the value of various forms of indigenous knowledge, such as the knowledge and experience of community elders or local ethnic groups and cultures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improved document delivery service has played an important role in resource sharing, which has led to increased access and usage of information resources in Uganda. In the past, Makerere University Library (Mulib) users were discouraged by lack of full text articles. Mulib then changed a strategy and put Document Delivery Service (DDS) as an integral part of the electronic resources budget and information literacy activity plan. A DDS form was designed and put on the Mulib website for users who have Internet access; while print copies are distributed to eligible users and institutions/librarians. For the medical/health professionals, an additional print copy is included in the periodical Health Information Digest, which is distributed to rural health units/institutions. This paper presents two types of DDS. The first type is from international sources through collaborations/partnerships with Makerere University to benefit Makerere University community; while the second type is within Uganda - from Makerere University to benefit rural institutions and practitioners/extension workers. Depending on the situation, documents are repackaged from electronic into print format and delivered to rural areas by either post or fax. Where ICT facilities permit, electronic documents are delivered by e-mail and/ or in the case of health workers, by using personal digital assistants (PDAs) in a project supported by Makerere University Faculty of Medicine, Uganda Chartered Healthnet and Satellife. Mulib also conducts rural outreach sessions in mainly Universities, health units and paramedical training schools to introduce these units to global information resources and how they can be tapped. The paper outlines these activities and highlights the contribution of DDS as a practical strategy that has enhanced access to information resources by academics, researchers and practitioners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a model of leadership and management that would contribute to the development of a Library Association to promote a progressive library profession in Ghana. The paper observes that The Ghana Library Association (GLA) plays very little or no role at all in the management of libraries in the country. The proposition for the present discussion is that, a well managed Ghana Library Association would be able to improve the state of library provision as well as the professional development of librarians. At the moment the association is chartered and should be the authority in matters dealing with all libraries in the country, especially in meeting the expectations of its membership. It should be able to exercise its authority to win recognition and respect for its members, enabling them to rub shoulders with the decision-making powers of the society, and thereby influence the allocation of resources in the development of libraries and librarians. An exploratory study involving the compilation of data on the active membership, and management practices of GLA was conducted in Accra to generate a hypothesis on the performance of the association during 2003 - 2006. Analysis of the data provided a big picture of the present position of the library association in terms of performance and its relationship with government policies and politics. The situation was compared with the performance of the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP) of the United Kingdom which provides leadership in all matters for the library and information profession. A model of management derived from CILIP's governance structure and function is proposed based on the principle of : ' not re-inventing the wheel' for the development of a purposeful library association in Ghana. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper briefly describes the concept and functional components of information environments and information landscapes, including the role of descriptions of collections and their catalogues. The paper then discusses the potential use of landscapes to support collaborative collection management across a range of processes and services, including resource acquisition, discovery, access, and preservation, and demonstrates the application of structured collection-level metadata to support a variety of consortium foci, including location, topic, educational level, and resource format. The paper describes several techniques which can be applied to collection-level metadata to provide landscaping services at regional and national level, including the application of functional granularity from the analytic model of collections and their catalogues, collection hierarchies, and controlled vocabularies. The paper presents examples from the Scottish Collections Network, a national operational information environment and landscaping service, including consortia based on collection subject (Scottish Visual Arts Group) and location (Glasgow Academic Libraries Together). The paper concludes by discussing the extension of information environments to incorporate archive and museum collections, and the potential impact of new and emerging collection description standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses various types of partnerships and raises basic issues and questions for parliamentary libraries when considering partnering. It provides a compendium of formal and informal partnerships engaged in by the Canadian Library of Parliament and includes information on how the Library works with other organizations --- other libraries, consortia, government departments, private organizations, parliamentary partners, etc -- in carrying out various tasks and assisting others. While much of the partnering is done on an informal basis, the paper illustrates how the Library provides services and works in conjunction with others -- cooperating with other organizations inside and outside Parliament. It points to the Library's efforts to assist others through library, research and public outreach programs. The paper also suggests ideas for other partnering opportunities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the recent years much discussions and initiatives are taken in the area of open access. Open access, a philosophy facilitates availability and distribution of scholarly communication freely, as a means to solve the problem of inaccessibility primarily due to financial constraint particularly in the context of developing countries. Many scholarly literature are freely accessible now without any hindrance. Open access endeavours to reduce barriers to scholarly communication. The open access literature available in various forms like open access archives, institutional repositories, open access journals and off late open courseware. The availability of open source software has accelerated this development. In India, various open access initiatives have been undertaken and are operational. Some more are in developmental stage. This paper discusses various such initiatives in India. Some initiatives have also been taken in the area of metadata harvesting services. Gradually, there has been a realization of the usefulness of the open access by various institutions particularly, the public funded ones. The future of open access in India is dependent upon a proper policy and a framework. In the implementation of open access LIS professionals should play a pro-active role in the growth of collection in the institutional repositories. The paper provides information about the present state of open access Literature by various institutions of the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Today, libraries are no longer viewed as merely spaces that stack books for the specialized few. With the accelerated development in information and communication technology, libraries have become more focused on people and learning processes than on just printed material. As such, the environment where the library user works has become a basic concern more than ever before. Because libraries are fundamentally about people-how they learn, how they use information, and how they interact in a learning community, the library profession became more concerned with the discussion of the concept of the "Library As A Place"; a concept which goes far beyond the simplicity of introducing a cyber café into a library or emulating the Barnes and Nobel/Starbucks approach. This perception of the library as a learning space began centuries ago with one of the earliest libraries in history, the Mouseion, meaning the temple of the muses, at Alexandria, better known as the Library of Alexandria. The Mouseion was a research center, a museum, and a venue for celebrating the arts, inquiry, and scholarship. Indeed, as Dowlin remarks; it represented "the start of libraries that went beyond personal ownership"1. This paper gives an overview of the new and diverse elements in library design, and highlights the role of technology as a catalyst in reinventing the library and restoring its role as an institute of learning, culture and intellectual interaction. Using the new Library of Alexandria as an example of this concept of a library, the paper will show how this library, with its new and unique building, has successfully created an atmosphere and a set of intellectual resources conducive to learning, research, discussion, and appreciation of knowledge across the various disciplines. With six specialized libraries, three Museums, a planetarium; an Exploratorium for children's exhibitions; two permanent exhibitions; six art galleries for temporary exhibitions; a conference center; and eight research institutes, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina has managed to become an embodiment of a true "learning space". However, the library as a learning space entails the erection of a multifunctional buildings an endeavor which may have some drawbacks. Discussing these, the paper will briefly list some of the disadvantages of the multifunctional buildings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper highlights the background about IIT Madras and the Central Library with brief statistical profile. Various reasons for the construction of new library building for the Central Library, the composition of Library Building Committee, the completion of two phases of Library Building, key facts about the Library Building, major facilities and the areas of Library Building are also discussed. Selected distinguished features like the usage of walkway on level-II, retention of old Banyan tree, landscaping, high ceiling foyer are also described in detail. Further to this, the paper underlines the role of the Central Library to achieve academic excellence with the help of IT infrastructure, digital library initiatives, resources and the specialized facilities like media resource center, digital knowledge center, research carrels etc. In addition to this, an attempt has also been made to describe the role of the Central Library as multifunctional complex with the help of the remarks of the distinguished visitors, users survey and the created specialized facilities. Finally, important suggestions and the precautions to be observed during the construction of new library building are conceptualized for the benefit of the librarians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The National Assembly for Wales is the democratic body created in 1999 to take over the powers of the Welsh Office bringing real political power to Wales from Westminster, London. "With devolution, our destiny as regards health, wealth, education, the environment, and the domestic agenda more widely, is increasingly in our own hands." (Wales: a better country, Welsh Assembly Government, 2004). The National Assembly meeting in Plenary is the highest political decision-making body. It has delegated most of its "government" functions to the First Minister (who in turn has made delegations to other Ministers). The Cabinet are supported by the devolved administration, the Welsh Assembly Government. The Assembly Library and Publications Service within the Welsh Assembly Government provides:• an internal service to support the decision-making, policy development, service delivery and compliance processes of the Assembly Government by making available a extensive range of information resources and providing a high quality advisory service on information and research matters; and • an external service to provide and promote public access to Assembly publications and information assets in electronic and hard copy formats. Before April 2006 we served approximately 4,500 members of staff and dispatched over 1,000 business related publications per month to external customer requests (in paper and electronic formats). Programmes and services targeted at the business community in Wales were also delivered by two main, external organisations (quangos ~ quasiautomonous national governmental organisations). In July 2004 the First Minister announced that these organisations would be brought in to the Assembly for April 2006. This paper will detail the practical steps within our service workplan taken to meet the challenge of our new customer base, both internally and externally. It will highlight the advantages for business and civil servants in being able to access the broad range of what are now "Welsh Assembly Government" publications and information sources. The talk concludes with details of some of the challenges in the future as we seek to further develop our services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evidence-based practice is one way in which research can influence professional practice. However, if practitioners are to use research evidence as a basis for practice, then they need to be able to evaluate the research evidence; that is, they need to be able to assess research quality. This paper describes the criteria, strategies and models that are available for assessing research quality, and discusses the limitations and problems associated with those strategies and models. A pilot study that investigated the ways in which experienced research evaluators assess research quality, is described, and its implications are discussed. The paper concludes with a brief description of the ongoing research that is building on the results of the pilot study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In India, government is the largest collector and largest publisher of information. It brings out thousands of documents every year in a diffused manner. Apart from regulatory bodies, a number of statistical agencies have been created for the purpose of collection, processing and dissemination of data on Indian society and economy. The purpose of this paper is to identify different genres of print or non-print sources of information that are generated by the government agencies. The factors responsible for limited access to government information and use of electronic media for information dissemination have also been discussed in this paper. To be presented at IFLA GIOPS Session, 2005. World Library and Information Congress: 71st IFLA General Conference and Council, Oslo, Norway, August 14-18, 2005. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reviews results of a research study examining the availability of foreign language LIS scholarly journals through indexing services at ALA accredited LIS graduate and PhD programs in the United States. Ulrich's Periodical Directory was used to formulate the title list (273 titles) of foreign published LIS scholarly journals. Ulrich's provided a systematic method of aggregating titles to measure against the title lists provided by indexing services. For the purposes of this study, foreign language journals are defined as those published from countries other than Ireland, New Zealand, Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States, and not solely published in English. 2 The impact of indexing services on the availability of foreign language LIS scholarly journals in the United States will be explored. Access to foreign language LIS scholarly journals is not widely available in the United States. Indexing services are a primary source for accessing research published in non- English speaking countries. If a journal is published in a non-English speaking country, it does not mean that it will automatically be published in a foreign language. Out of approximately 100 indexing services listed in Ulrich's for foreign published LIS scholarly journals, only two indexing services are commonly available in United States LIS programs. LISA and Library Literature and Information Science Abstracts (LLIA) carry 58 (21%) and 30 (11%), for a total of 88 titles, or 32% out of 273 titles. A further breakdown of the 88 titles emphasizes the critical relationship of translation to accessibility; 29 titles are published in English, 41 are published with some English translation and 18 had no translation. Ulrich's does not list all foreign published LIS scholarly journals and the final paper will examine titles found in LISA and LLIA, but not in Ulrich's. Indexing services are in a powerful position to impact the LIS knowledge base and its development. Indexing services can make editorial decisions based on what they think the market will read. The selection criteria for indexing services will be examined. Attributes of Ulrich's list of journals will be evaluated against the selection criteria in LISA and LLIA. Both universities and indexing services make journal acquisition decisions based on whether journals are included in resources such as Ulrich's and competing indexing services. Since an issue in the concept of journal quality is coverage in indexing services, foreign publishers would be prudent to investigate the selection process of indexing services to widen their market potential. An effort is needed to increase access to foreign language LIS scholarly journals in the United States. The process of providing knowledge to a global market needs review, revision and support. Journal editors, publishers and distributors all have an essential role in making information accessible. This paper will examine the front-end of information delivery and offer ideas for support, including easier access to translation, cooperative indexing, and nonprofit oversight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports on research undertaken into the use made of LIS journals for their dissertations by students undertaking the masters course in Information and Library Studies at the University of Wales Aberystwyth. To support the students in their studies and research, the Thomas Parry Library at the University of Wales Aberystwyth has a world-renowned collection of LIS journals, many of which are now accessible in electronic form as well as in print form. Analysis of the citations of 50 recent (post 2000) dissertations submitted gives an indication of the range of material used in dissertations. In addition, responses to questionnaires given to students (and some staff) provides information about how relevant papers are found from LIS journals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The world has slipped almost unheralded from the Industrial Age into the Information Age. This emerging information society puts a premium on intelligence; value added knowledge, and the application of knowledge to all processes, products and services. This replaces raw sheer physical strength as an economic asset in today's economy. Information and communication knowledge have therefore become critical components of a successful and prosperous society. The paper discusses the vital role information can play in the economic development of women in developing countries. It analyzes how women can realize economic development through the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT); one of the ways this can be guaranteed is for information centers especially public libraries in developing countries to automate their systems, form networks for resource sharing and take advantage of the numerous benefits of IT, especially data sharing capabilities and the Internet. The availability of information and its use is of vital value to women who form half of the world population. The paper discusses the information needs of women for economic development and the significant impact of information producers for the achievement of this. The peculiarity of information needs of women required to promote economic development goals was analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The changing information environment sets new challenges for libraries. Libraries as mediators of information can act more effectively considering the demands, expectations and needs for library services by planning their strategies and tactics for their services in the information society, to make them more relevant in the provision of information to their communities. The goal of this paper is to give an overview of opportunities of how libraries can use the process of planning to establish their behaviour in the market economy and to introduce methods of marketing library performance. The paper is based on the study "Performance measurement and evaluation of research libraries in Estonia" (funded from Estonian Science Foundation Grant 4039; 2000 - 2002) and carried out as a joint activity of Tallinn Pedagogical University, the National Library of Estonia and Tartu University Library. The study focused on the possibilities to use the analysis of the statistical data of 1995-2002 of four Estonian major research libraries - The National Library, Estonian Academic Library, Tartu University Library and Tallinn Technical University Library. The survey focused on library resources (collections), library services (visits, loans), librarians (education and qualification), and financial resources (income and expenditure). The study indicates that research libraries can function successfully as an information environment for Estonian science, culture, economy and education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper examines the relationship between subject gateways and national bibliographies together with general principles of universal bibliographic control in the broader context of the need for integration of heterogeneous information resources. The examples from the Czech Republic's experience are used to illustrate general problems connected with integration of heterogeneous resources from different countries covering different subjects. Main obstacles for information resources integration are described. The paper concludes with recommendations for improvement of bibliographic control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In principle, the emergence of National Information Policy (NIP) as a framework for developing information resources and Institutions was welcomed by most countries in Africa with such a messianic zeal. However most of these countries and particularly those in the Sub-Sahara region were unable to correspondingly match their zeal with concrete efforts aimed at enunciating and implementing the policy. This situation is not unconnected with some mitigating factors and certain development peculiarities of some of the countries, all of which are discussed in the paper. Against the backgrounds of the above factors and peculiarities, most countries in the sub-region suddenly found themselves at a cross-road with the emergence of information society which is typified by the increasing prevalence and convergence of Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs). Thus the need for these countries to reappraise the concept of NIP to embrace the NICI initiative are discussed in the wider context of national and regional development objectives. The challenges of knowledge age are also articulated in the light of the ways forward for development in Africa. The paper concludes that the alternative to African countries failure to address these challenges will be for them to remain attached to the apron string of donor agencies and countries in perpetuity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper looks briefly at the phenomenon of publishing on the World Wide Web, particularly with regard to its stabilization, and its effect on the concept of comprehensive collection building; and then, focuses on deaf-related information. Using a variety of search tools, the author finds more than 100,000 documents related to deafness and deaf culture on the web and demonstrates a means for tailoring a search to focus on various aspects of available information, specifically either the traditional medical and disability/handicap emphasis of information about deafness or the sociological/cultural emphasis on deaf people. One additional search method used commercial software which automatically combines the searches of the standard search tools and generates various indexes; and, finally, the paper also looks at 2 types of web-based attempts to organize deaf-related information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses the ongoing journey of East Renfrewshire Library and Information Service (ERLIS) as it attempts to embrace the concepts of Web 2.0 and Library 2.0 within the constraints of a limited financial budget. It also presents a step by step guide for other library services interested in joining the social networking community; highlighting challenges and offering solutions based on the experiences of ERLIS. Although still in its infancy the project has been very well received by a variety of library stakeholders and other library authorities; demonstrating the important role that public libraries can play in building virtual communities. It has also inspired debate in the national press and as a result, improved user perceptions and the overall profile of the library service. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper provides a brief overview of the evolving descriptive metadata landscape, one phenomenon of which can be characterized as "cross-community" metadata as manifested in records that are the result of a combination of carefully considered data value and data content standards. he online catalog of the Morgan Library & Museum provides a real-life illustration of how diverse data content standards and vocabulary tools can be integrated within the classic data structure/technical interchange format of MARC21 to better describe unique, museum-type objects, and to provide better end-user access and understanding. The Morgan experience also shows the value of developing a collaborative model for metadata creation that combines the subject expertise of curators and scholars with the cataloging expertise and knowledge of standards possessed by librarians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nigerian governmental organs and their agencies play a vital role as publishers and providers of vast amounts of information and the number of bodies generating publications is increasing. Unfortunately, however, Nigerian citizens have restricted freedom of access to government and official publications. This paper will provide an overview of government publishing and information dissemination in Nigeria. I approach the subject by taking a look at the current characteristics and patterns of government publishing in Nigeria; and also, provide a review of bibliographic controls and access tools for Nigerian publications. Attention is also paid to the rapidly expanding electronic information systems and products currently generated by Nigerian government agencies. In concluding, I provide a brief overview of factors responsible for constraining access to government publications in Nigeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information can best be conceived as a productive resource, potentially limiting and influencing the efficiency of production. Agricultural information transfer system consists of four independent, interrelated components: development, documentation, dissemination, and diffusion of information. They broadly correspond to generation, organization, communication, and utilization of information. Each of these components has several subsystems. Educational and research systems worldwide are the prime movers in advancing agricultural knowledge. They include local, national and international educational and research systems worldwide. Organization and retrieval of agricultural information appears to be solely resting with library and information professionals. Of late, these functions have also expanded to plethora of national and international agricultural information systems. Starting with Extension or farmers' advisory service, the dissemination function is set to land in e-extension service worldwide. The fourth component of the information transfer system, utilization of agricultural information, has to overcome numerous barriers in meeting the information needs of farmers in developed and developed countries. This paper presents a holistic view of all these components with special reference to agricultural research in the light of emerging information technologies and globalization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A special library needs to respond to the changing boundaries of the disciplines of concern as well as the shifts in the research fronts. These changes and newer directives of the national policies are reflected in libraries through their collection development and services. The field of medicine has undergone several major changes - some due to the increased depth of knowledge in specialty areas and others due to closer interaction and better understanding of the context in which the field is practiced. Among the comparatively newer areas to come within the fold of medicine is what has been broadly termed as "medical humanities" (MH). This paper seeks to explain the term and trace its scope and growth as reflected in literature. With developments surrounding medical practice and research in India, it is essential that collection development policy of hospital libraries in India should be redefined to incorporate the collection on humanities. Based on a small survey, guidelines have been suggested for including in policy and developing such a collection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper provides a case study of the rural library programs sponsored by the Evergreen Education Foundation (EEF) and identifies the vital role of school libraries in improving local residents' access to information and enriching their cultural life. It analyzes the data collected from user surveys of one high school library and one book station from two library clusters in underdeveloped rural Tianzhu and Tongwei counties in Gansu Province of western China to assess the impact and effectiveness of a schoollibrary- centered community information resource sharing model developed and implemented by China Evergreen Rural Library Service Stations (CERLS). A total of 1,350 surveys were distributed to the community library users in the two counties to gain a better understanding of their satisfaction level and expectations of the libraries' collections, services, and outreach programs, and to examine the impact of the model on the social and economic life of local residents. A quantitative approach was used to analyze the survey data and a standard structure and format of data presentation was followed so that the research might be replicated by CERLS libraries in other locations. As CERLS programs continue to expand into other locations in China, this study may provide useful information and a model to analyze prospective programs. This study could provide impetus for more studies on the rural library programs in other areas of China and in other underdeveloped regions of the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In today's information landscape, the continued existence of Crown copyright is both incongruous and inappropriate. In its most benign form, Crown copyright is an inconvenience, forcing the public to limit their use of government materials to that permitted under copyright legislation or existing licences or seek permission from the government for the use. In other cases, it is more than an inconvenience. It is a tool of censorship used to prevent dissemination. This paper highlights some of the ways in which Crown copyright has been used to restrict use of government materials, focusing on Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom. It describes government initiatives aimed at liberalizing access but argues that a comprehensive overhaul of Crown copyright is needed for the public to have any meaningful rights to government information. Because the right to access information is meaningless without the right to copy and distribute it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper discusses Nigerians' place in the realization of the MDGs as it relates to information, education & library access in rural communities, as a means of halting and reversing the spread of HIV/AIDS among the most vulnerable. It looks at the gender gap in access to information and education about HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment. The rural communities, the poor, the displaced, sex workers, and young women are the most disenfranchised, therefore AIDS consistently moves through these fracture points of society through inequitable gender, social, or economic relations. Radio and television phon- in programmes, indigenous Nigerian language talk shows, community radio transmission and mobile libraries with indigenous multimedia and print materials are empowerment tools useful to demand enhanced services, life saving drugs, basic rights, and air their views, opinions and challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The content of this paper is divided into three parts. The first discusses the essential partnerships that were developed between the Boston Public Library (BPL) and its Center for Neighborhood History (CNH) with universities, historical societies, and other local organizations. Particular emphasis is placed on each organization's contribution to the project and the foreseeable impact their work will have on future audiovisual archival projects. A second part examines the technologies used for the purpose of collecting and disseminating family and local history. Finally, we examine the impact non-textual archival techniques can have on the general public. Examples of oral histories and visual stories collected by the CNH demonstrate how audiovisual narratives can empower communities, transcend generations, and provide researchers with valuable sources of historical information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sub-Saharan Africa is the hardest hit region in the world where AIDS threatens to decimate entire populations. Although the region has 10% of the world's population, it accounts for 63% of people living with HIV/AIDS. Of the estimated 2.1 million AIDS-related deaths in 2006, 72% of them were in Africa (UNAIDS/WHO, 2006). Although the epidemic has stabilized in the region, this means that the numbers of people who are newly affected with HIV are still roughly equivalent to the number of people who are dying from AIDS. Twenty-five years into the epidemic, there is still no cure for AIDS. Information remains our most crucial weapon in the war against the AIDS virus. But is the provision of information successful in combating this terrible disease? The results are mixed. There have been some successes, most notably in Uganda, where the prevalence of HIV/AIDS has dropped from estimates as high as 30% in some areas to as low as 5%. While a few other countries show some small gain in the fight against the disease, most continue to report increasing rates of new infections and deaths, despite the targeted efforts of information and communication campaigns. This paper provides an overview of the status of HIV/AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa. Health Behaviour Theories (HBTs) are examined and compared with information-seeking behaviour theories. The potential benefits and limitations of information and communications are examined in the fight against AIDS, focusing on the specific complexities of Sub-Saharan Africa. Considerations are proposed for HIV/AIDS information and communication campaigns in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

If a Parliament is establishing a Library and Research Service or enhancing the capacity and scope of the existing service, there is much to be learned from the experience of international counterparts and partnerships with relevant stakeholders. Each segment of society has a specific role to play and resources to share. This paper explores opportunities for building effective partnerships between parliamentary library and research services and relevant stakeholders with a view to achieving best practices. Examples of partnerships are cited with reference to Parliament of Uganda. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reviews the framework of library resource sharing (LRS) in China and examines, from a comparative perspective, cases of recent development, particularly in the 1990s and early 2000s. Highlights include: (1) historical review of LRS in the U.S. and China, particularly in the areas of print union catalogs and union lists, online bibliographic utilities, and interlibrary loan; (2) literature review of Chinese publications, and LRS issues and challenges in China; (3) Analysis of three LRS models to provide a contextual grasp of a paradigm shift taking place in China; and (4) comparative analysis of LRS objectives, structure, and governance, etc., in the U.S. and China. The study also underscores the imperative for building a national digital library system in China to gain a competitive edge in resource sharing and to support the country's rapid social and economic growth. At this stage of development, the success of China Academic Library & Information System provides a convincing argument for a national digital library system with its methods of governing, financing, and development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To extend the traditional concept of using technology to improve inter-lending and resource sharing services, this author will draw upon the experience of her Global Memory Net (GMNet), supported by the US National Science Foundation's International Digital Library Program, and the latest activities of the first virtual US World Heritage Digital Center in partnership with the UNESCO's World Heritage Center to articulate as well as demonstrate how cutting-edge technology can be used to empower libraries, museums, and archives to provide innovative global resource sharing services. These will include resource retrieval, sharing and utilization in a way not possible before by: • Instant provision of multimedia and multi-lingual resources, • Instant link with the world available resources - both print and digital, • Instant link with the world available resources - both bibliographic as well as web-based, • Instant provision of full-text documents and resources if they are digitally available, • Instant zooming of image resources, • Many other features. Clearly in this dynamic digital age, "document delivery and resource sharing" can take on a very different meaning. Technology can help to expand the library's traditional role of inter-lending and resource sharing, and improve the resource sharing and utilization services in a global scale, not limited to resources owned or within reasonable distance. This paper intends to vividly demonstrate this innovative global resource sharing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Institutional Repositories movement has attracted great attention from academic libraries worldwide over the past several years, often as a way of furthering the cause of Open Access to scholarship. The appeal is immediate and apparent. An Institutional Repository is a way for every academic institution to 'showcase' its intellectual prowess through the systematic collection, organization, making accessible and preservation of its intellectual output. Moreover, the linking of individual repositories has the potential of developing a true knowledge network where the researcher can "harvest" relevant material from any number of repositories across the world. Such an initiative is in the finest traditions of international scholarly collaboration - and libraries would play a central part. As part of its Institutional Repositories initiative the Canadian Association of Research Libraries (CARL) has conducted an international review of content recruitment strategies for populating Institutional Repositories. This paper presents the results of the review and discusses some conclusions to be drawn. The findings will be generally applicable and should be of interest to any library that has, or is contemplating, implementing an Institutional Repository. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses the current emphasis on audience development within the field of local history. Museums, libraries and archives have evolved as separate entities, individually orientated to preserving their unique source material. However in recent years there has been financial and government pressure for these institutions to work very closely together to share their resources and to encourage not only the public that already use their services, but also those sections of the community who do not. To seek partnerships with schools, local societies and other community groups, outwardly uninvolved in local history projects, is a useful investment. The effort can create new audiences and can encourage museums, libraries and archives to form new associations and collaborative ventures connecting students, no matter their ability or age, to their local heritage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Puke Ariki opened in 2003 and is the flagship museum, library and archival institution for Taranaki. Some commentators have suggested that there is no region in New Zealand with a richer heritage than Taranaki, but some episodes were among the most difficult in New Zealand's history. There is a growing view that New Zealand needs to talk about some of its difficult history before it can heal the wounds that are still apparent in society. 'Common Ground' is a ground-breaking 5 year programme that begins in 2006 to look at the social history of Taranaki including some of the painful chapters. This paper explains some of the background and ways of joint working across library, museum and archival professions at Puke Ariki. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Today it is undeniable that digital library services have become a reliable means of providing information. National libraries, among others, must make the maximum use of this new means, because the traditional means of providing services are limited by the physical restrictions which arise from national libraries' mission of preserving their nation's cultural heritage. The new ways of providing services have shown us how it is possible for us to navigate our patrons to whatever information resources they need by breaking the constraints that have long existed. On the other side, digital information resources have won the title for the most promising medium carrying information on politics, economics and culture. National libraries, which have been a nation's base to preserve physical artifacts such as paper-form materials, now must take digital information resources into consideration. We must surmount high hurdles in order to develop legal systems that support the preservation of digital information. The National Diet Library (NDL) has been working hard to tackle this task, aiming to preserve information resources on the Internet. To pursue these aims, we have been working on the following three objectives: 1) To construct a major digital archive of the nation as an expansion of the library's remote service 2) To enhance a navigation system which guides users seamlessly to various collections and information resources wherever they are regardless of kinds of media; to develop a one-stop portal which guides users to collections and resources 3) To preserve information resources on the Internet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reviews the perceived threats to the future of cataloguing posed by the increasing volume of publications in all media, coupled with a resource base which is declining in real terms. It argues that cataloguing is more rather than less important in such an environment and considers some of the ways in which cataloguing will have to change in order to survive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A major library classification scheme has long been standard classification framework for information sources in traditional library environment, and text classification (TC) becomes a popular and attractive tool of organizing digital information. This paper gives an overview of previous projects and studies on TC using major library classification schemes, and summarizes a discussion of TC research challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to transform the Library's identity and role in the digital era, the dynamic engines for the Knowledge and Information Society require new collaborations and strategies, but at the heart of this transformation is replacing uncertainty with knowledge. The redefining of our profession fundamentally relies on developing the knowledge and skills of our employees, engaging in adopting emergent technology and web services, and advocating new functional partnerships that cross organizational divides within libraries, with outside organizations, and more importantly, with the knowledge and information society. The paper and presentation explores the periphery of emerging technologies and roles for document delivery and resource sharing with a focus on sharing best practices for adaptative strategies using practical examples such as new training programs and methods to collaboratively explore and adopt emergent technologies and web services, and new partnerships. Examples of emergent technologies & web services include: Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), mobile technologies, social networking software and services. Examples of new partnerships include: collaborative strategies for resource sharing within libraries; acquisitions, digital libraries, reference, and with vendors. Examples of new training programs include: ALA RUSA STARS Education Committee, training programs at the University of Virginia Libraries and other resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Development of information and communication technology (ICT) has opened up unprecedented possibilities for cultural heritage institutions, but also posed a new demand on them to make their collections widely available and accessible outside their institutional boundaries. Users no longer care where information (in the form of a book or an object) is physically located (say, in archive, library or museum) just as long as the resources they are looking for are well integrated, well-organized and easily accessible. Cultural heritage professionals and policy makers in many institutions/countries world wide have recognized the increasing importance of local cultural identity, and, combined with the potential of technology, initiated a number of collaborative cultural heritage initiatives world wide. The paper will outline theoretical framework for collaboration of cultural heritage institutions and present several successful collaborative initiatives. Special attention shall be given to EU project CALIMERA - Cultural Applications: Local Institutions Mediating Electronic Resources Access (www.calimera.org) which is a Coordination Action under the European Union's Information Society Technologies Framework Programme 6 (IST FP6) whose goal is to assist local cultural institutions - public libraries, museums and archives - to gradually develop a base that would enable them to apply and develop innovative technologies and joint strategies for serving ordinary citizens in their everyday lives. Also, a short account of ALM initiatives in Croatia will be given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing inter-institutional collaborative agreements for online education offers the potential benefit of increasing participants' access to resources and decreasing costs to institutions. Designing and sustaining models of cooperation to cross institutional boundaries is inherently complex and requires significant commitment. This paper explores the rationale for developing consortia and describes opportunities and challenges that arise in establishing and maintaining agreements to promote quality online education in library and information science (LIS) with peer institutions. Insights are shared based on 'lessons learned' in establishing the Web-based Information Science Education (WISE) consortium. Emphasis is placed on the three key elements of the WISE model of collaboration -- metrics for quality online education, faculty development in online pedagogy, and course share. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although interest in genealogy has increased significantly in recent years, Chinese-Canadians make little use of library-based genealogical resources and services, and remain outside the Canadian genealogy mainstream. This situation is possibly due in part to a strongly British/European focus in the prevailing Canadian genealogy culture. There are indications that Chinese-Canadians are very interested in exploring their family roots. But while the community has recently begun to reclaim its place in Canadian history, Chinese-Canadian genealogists face a considerable challenge, due not only to a lack of relevant resources and services, but also to unique aspects of Chinese-Canadian history and culture. The paper examines the nature of this challenge, using specific examples of genealogical resources, including civil registration, census, and other records. It then describes several initiatives, some library-based, which indicate that a more promising context for Chinese-Canadian genealogical research is emerging. With the example of Chinese-Canadians in mind, public libraries are urged to expand their genealogy services to include a broader range of immigrant groups, and some practical suggestions are offered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper compares face-to-face and virtual reference services based on the Library Visit Study, an ongoing research project that focuses on users' perceptions of their experiences asking questions of physical and virtual reference "desks." Data from 261 in-person and 85 virtual reference transaction accounts (both email and chat) show that, based on the "willingness to return" criterion, virtual reference results in lower satisfaction than does face-to-face reference. Underlying problems that are associated with user dissatisfaction were identified in face-to-face reference and carry over to virtual reference, including lack of reference interviews, unmonitored referrals and failure to follow-up. The reasons for ongoing failures are examined and solutions that can help improve both face-to-face and virtual reference are included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Norwegian Institute of Local History is making an internet presentation of local history as it is practiced around the world. We have called the project "Local History World Wide: An International Internet Inventory" (LHWW). LHWW wants to raise awareness about the international perspectives of local history and establish a network for cooperation and exchange of knowledge between those who are active and interested in local history issues. The paper argues why local history should have an international perspective, focusing on historical explanations as well as changes in modern society. The presentation will have a short guided tour of the website. LHWW is actively seeking cooperation with local history communities around the world in order to collect information and presentations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a paper given during the World Library and Information Congress: 70th International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) Conference in Buenos Aires, Argentina on August 22-27, 2004, which concerns the Mariano Moreno Cultural Association. According to the article, the organization offers services through the Mariano Moreno Public Library and Cultural Complex. It is stated that the library is committed to permanent information, continued education and lifelong learning.

The paper explain the general goals of the union catalog and the data for the holding in the SBN union catalog. After a brief illustration about the search and retrieval of holding data using Z39.50 and the profile for the holding data of the Texas Implementors Group (TZIG), go on the data in the bibliographic records for location (field 850 and 852).Later is given an analytical presentation of the field 899 used in the Italian SBN union catalog with many examples of UNIMARC format and with display of the information for the users in the OPAC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quality of life of an individual depends on diverse factors united in a complex network of relations that at the same time turn into cause and effect. In this paper we analyze the influence that reading and libraries have in the improvement of the quality of life. Reading and libraries are the means for people to access and share information that allow them to develop their potential, which in turn, will open them to better and wider opportunities. However, reading is not taken from a simplistic perspective, since it does not mean to recognize phonemes or words, but to comprehend what is written in order to apply it to our daily life. This is precisely the point where the public library gains all its value as a promoter of democracy and education for all, and as a true cultural center for the community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]