Gerard A.J.S. van Marle
Twente University of Technology[Annual report not received. Minutes of meetings not received.]
University Libraries and Scholarly Communication: Implications of the Mellon Foundation Report
Abstract
The paper highlights the key points of the seminal study of the university libraries and their preparations for moving into the 21st century. The Mellon Foundation is committed to continuing to suppo
rt the evolution of research libraries, academia, and scholarly communication. Their study has done a remarkable job of describing the current library landscape, including collecting, operating, fina
ncing and electronic capabilities. The study reveals that the old approaches to providing access to information are failing and that radically different strategies are needed in order to meet the nee
ds of rapidly evolving constituencies. The conclusions of the study highlight that the roles of authors, publishers, libraries and users must be reconceptualized. University policies and management o
f intellectual property must be rethought. New partnerships must be developed between libraries and scholars to change the fundamental character of the research library. To summarize, libraries will
remain central to the management of scholarly communication for the foreseeable future, but to meet the needs of those which they seek to serve, libraries around the globe will have to transform them
selves based on well-thought, long-term strategies for comprehensive change.
La communicacion academica y ala tranferencia electronica de documentos en la red universitaria en Cuba
Abstract
The paper refers to the problem of communications and document transfer through electronic means for the Cuban university library network. It starts with a short review of the evolution of electronic
communications in the university network at the Ministerio de Educacion Superior (Ministry of Higher Education) in Cuba. The paper stresses the importance of electronic data transfer to the maintena
nce of collections, and the need for a policy making it possible to share the information resources in special libraries, to get up-to-date information, and to fulfill the objectives of education and
research. The paper analyzes the main problems existing in Cuba for the development of a telecommunication network that would allow for electronic document transfer. Three basic ideas are assumed: t
he importance of electronic transfer of documents in the development of the objectives of university libraries, linked to the national development and research; the underlying library principles that
must guide the electronic document transfer; and both the internal and external elements in the development of the higher education and scientific information system affecting the development of ele
ctronic communications. As a conclusion is shown what still must be accomplished in order for communications and electronic data and document transfer to become really effective.
Taking Action to Improve Academic Library Resources in Developing Countries
Abstract
To meet the continuing needs of students, teachers and researchers, librarians are challenged to develop alternative strategies to the traditional massive acquisitions programme. Among possibilities
for discussion it is suggested that if agreements can be reached among a significant number of institutions as to the essential elements in first degree courses in various subjects, there will be a b
etter chance to achieve economies of scale in book production, and then to negotiate supply at more supportable prices. The ability to manage information technologies can be transferred to librarians
in developing countries. But inadequate infrastructures for information technology in many developing countries are a major factor in holding back solutions to the problems of improved information p
rovision and education. Ultimately the problem of inadequacy of library resources in developing countries is one of economics and politics. It is only by working together through such organizations a
s IFLA that the messages about the importance of libraries to the economies of countries can be brought to the attention of those who wield power. But when those messages do get through, it is of the
greatest importance that librarians have realistic proposals to put forward, and the knowledge and skills to implement them.
Library Twinning: A Presentation of UNESCO's New Guidelines
Abstract
Library twinning is the ongoing relationship between two libraries in different countries for the purpose of improving the practice of librarianship across national boundaries. Most of the existing t
winning arrangements fall into one or more of the following areas: collection development, staff development, public relations. While donation programmes do not precisely meet the previously establis
hed definition of a twinning relationship, they are covered in brief. The benefits of a twinning programme and examples of existing twinning programmes are also included.
Discussion Group. The Section also held an informal discussion group meeting, attended by approximately 50 interested parties at which the following paper was presented.
The "Stakeholder" Approach to the Construction of Performance Measures: Designing a Set of Measures Appropriate to Users of Academic Libraries