Librarians and publishers working to a common agenda

The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) and the International Publishers' Association (IPA) have established a joint steering group to work together on matters of common interest.

The group has now met three times. It has agreed the following mission statement:

"Recognising that publishers and libraries share the common objective of the transmission of information from the author to the end-user, the mission of this Group is to improve library/publisher relations throughout the world through cooperative initiatives and ongoing dialogue and communication for the mutual benefit of the two communities. As technological developments are changing the way both communities operate, it is important to identify and promote areas of synergy and discuss ways to address divergences."

Ingrid Parent said: "With many interests in common in the areas of the production, dissemination and preservation of both traditional and electronic publications, it is very encouraging to participate in this group. We are engaged in open and ongoing dialogue in order to strengthen cooperation and to find workable solutions."

Herman P. Spruijt said: "During the last decade, the roles, responsibilities and expectations of publishers and librarians have become unclear, which created real and imagined controversies. It is essential that publishers and librarians meet on a regular basis to re-explore a common ground. The joint IFLA/IPA Steering Group is an excellent initiative offering publishing and library representatives eminent opportunities to exchange views and ideas in an encouraging positive atmosphere."

Areas of work identified by the group include:

• Sharing of information on activities in favour of freedom of expression and cooperation in protests against obstructions to the principle
• Support by both organisations for action to promote zero or reduced VAT rates for books and electronic publications
• Exchange of statistical information
• Exchange of views and information on deposit and archiving of electronic publications
• Clarification of the price components of electronic publications
• Participation in metadata and Digital Object Identifier (DOI) activities
• Exchange of views on electronic interlibrary document delivery.

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Information for Editors

The membership of the Group is:

IFLA:

IPA:

Further Information:

Tel: +41 22 346 30 18
Fax: +41 22 347 57 17
Email: muller@ipa-uie.org

Ross Shimmon
Secretary General
International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA)
P O Box 95312
2509 CH, THE HAGUE
Netherlands

Tel: +31 70 3140884
Fax: +31 70 3834827
Email: ross.shimmon@ifla.org