Newsletter of the Section on Regional Activities: Asia and Oceania

11 : 2 (DECEMBER 1999)

IFLA News

Headquaters

Honorary IFLA Fellowship for Warren Horton

Christine Deschamps, IFLA President, said that she was "delighted" to be able to present the award to Warren. "Honorary Fellowship is the highest award IFLA is able confer on a member", she said. "Only two such Fellowships have been awarded previously this decade. Warren's is richly deserved. He has worked tirelessly to ensure a sound financial base for the Federation and to help it achieve its ambition to become a truly global champion of libraries and librarians."

She presented Warren with the IFLA Honorary Fellowship medal and a commemorative scroll. The citation on the scroll reads:

In recognition of Warren Horton's distinguished record of service, the Council of IFLA expresses its profound gratitude and appreciation by awarding him an Honorary Fellowship on the occasion of its 65th Council and General Conference held in Bangkok, Thailand, 27th August 1999.
As a member of IFLA's Executive Board from 1991 to 1997, and as Treasurer from 1993 to 1997, Warren Horton played a major role in securing a sound financial base for the Federation.

As a member of the Conference of Directors of National Libraries (CDNL), his commitment to cooperation between CDNL and IFLA's Core Programmes ensured both financial and professional support by national libraries for the development of the Core Programmes, particularly in the fields of preservation and conservation and bibliographic records.

A true internationalist, Warren Horton campaigned successfully to bring into the global arena libraries and library associations most likely to benefit from the international network.

As convenor of the working party set up to review the Federation's Statutes and Rules of Procedure, he worked tirelessly to reform IFLA's working practices in order to fulfil its objective to become a truly global organization." (Josche Neven, Reference 2, Mon, 6 Sep 1999)

OCLC to Sponsor New IFLA Early Career Development Fellowship

Up to four fellowship recipients a year will travel to OCLC Headquarters in Dublin, Ohio, USA, for four weeks to participate in an intensive program of lectures, seminars and mentoring.

"This new kind of cooperation between IFLA and OCLC is really a great achievement, which will allow librarians from developing countries to come to the United States, have good technical training, and visit a few North American libraries," said Christine Deschamps, president of IFLA and OCLC Board of Trustees member. "I can only hope that other bodies will join us and give additional funding to help more librarians to come each year."

"As the leading global library cooperative, OCLC is in a position to promote the evolution of libraries worldwide," said Jay Jordan, OCLC president and CEO. "This career development program, created in collaboration with IFLA, has the potential to positively affect individuals, their institutions, their countries and the global knowledge management practices of the future. The OCLC membership will also benefit from the diverse viewpoints and experiences the Early Career Development fellows will bring to the program."

"The program will be designed to provide as much background as possible on emerging technologies and their role in global cooperative librarianship," said Martin Dillon, executive director of the OCLC Institute. "It will provide advanced, continuing education and exposure to a broad range of issues in information technologies and library operations."

Early Career Development fellows will participate in OCLC Institute seminars, observe portions of an OCLC Users Council meeting, and visit selected North American libraries.

More information is available from the OCLC Institute on the Web at:
http://www.oclc.org/institute/ifla/index.htm

or by writing to the OCLC Institute at
6600 Frantz Rd.,
Dublin, Ohio,
USA, 43017.

For More Information:
Nita Dean,

RSCAO

Annual Report, 1998-99

Scope Statement:
The main objectives of the Section are to initiate, promote and facilitate the development of library and information services and the library profession within the five sub-regions of Asia and Oceania: West Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, East Asia and Oceania. The Section works in cooperation with the other Regional Sections and all of IFLA's Sections and Core Programmes, especially the Advancement of Librarianship Programme.

Membership:
Membership of the Regional Section: Asia and Oceania stood at 318 in March 1999, the largest of the three regional sections.

Committee Members (prior to 1999 nominations) are:
Amelia McKenzie (Australia)
Rashidah Begum Fazal Mohamad (Malaysia)
A.P. Gakhar (India)
Donita Simmons (Fiji)
Abbas Horri (Iran)
Weiming Jiang(China)
Thara Kanakamani (Thailand)
Jayasiri Lankage (Sri Lanka)
Russell Bowden (Sri Lanka)
Ravinder Kumar Chadha (India)
Khunying Maenmas Chavalit (Thailand)
Olga P. Fedotova (Russia)
Hilda T. Nassar (Lebanon)
Anna Shirinian (Armenia)
Beixin Sun (China)
Corresponding Members:
Toru Koizumi (Japan)
Mandana Sadigh-Behzadi (Iran)
Special Advisors:
Dr Maria LaoSunthara (Thailand)
Dr Shawky Salem (Egypt)
D.E.K. Wijasuriya (Malaysia)

Ex Officio:
Dr Pensri Guaysuwan (Regional Manager)

Officers:

Chair:
Ms Amelia McKenzie
Senior Manager, Technical Services
National Library of Australia

Secretary/Treasurer:
Puan Rashidah Begum

Information Coordinator:
Mr Ravinder Kumar Chadha

Meetings

The Standing Committee held two meetings for the period under report:

Meetings at 64th IFLA Council and General Conference, August 16-21, 1998.

This was a good attendance and there was productive discussion of the following issues: maintenance of the Section's home page, current and future RSCAO projects, strategies for encouraging nominations to the Committee in 1999 and financial reports, which showed the Section's finaces in very good order. Dr Olga Fedotova, Siberian member, was welcomed to her first meeting.

Annual Meeting, Chiangmai, Thailand 3-5 March 1999

This relatively small attendance was put down to the fact that many members will use their leave and financial support to travel to Thailand for the Bangkok Conference. Regardless the Committee members present had a full agenda and good progress was made on several matters. Items discussed included: :developing content and programmes for several proposed new projects including the library associations workshop and the networking seminar. Candidates for DANIDA grants were selected, as were applicants for ALP attachments and scholarships. Papers for the coming conference were selected and several new project proposals were discussed and approved. Members revised the Medium Term Plan action items and worked on the text of the RSCAO brochure. There was a wide ranging discussion on the current proposal to disband the Regional Division.

Projects

1. In-Service Training Attachments for Middle or Senior Level Staff Four attachments were approved in 1999: Chen Ye, China; Endang Sri Setiawati, Indonesia; Kim Myong Ho, North Korea; Mereani Vakasisikakala, Fiji.

2. Scholarships in Information Technology Four librarians from the region were awarded scholarships: Oyuntulga Mandshir, Mongolia;

   Nguyen Hong Hanh, Vietnam; Than Tun Aung, Myanmar; Balaram Shrestha, Nepal. The first two to be held at AIT, Bangkok and the last two to be held at INSDOC, New Delhi.

3. Projects completed in the year are listed below under Action Plan 1998-1999.

Conference Programme

1. Library network of the Asian part of Russia: readiness for cooperation BORIS S. ELEPOV, ELENA B. SOBOLEVA, OLGA P. FEDOTOVA and ELENA B. ARYEMEVA (State Public Scientific-Technical Library, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russian Federation)

2. Analysis of undergraduate LIS curricula in Thailand TASSANA HANPOL (Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University, Bangkok, Thailand)

3. Perceptions of LIS education and training in Sri Lanka PRADEEPA WIJETUNGE and JONATHAN WILLSON (Central Library, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka)

4. Distance education in library and information science in Asia and the Pacific region CHUTIMA SACCHANAND (Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University, Pakkred, Nonthaburi, Thailand)

Approximately seventy delegates attended the Open Session with many questions from the audience afterwards which supported and developed the views put forward by the speakers. The paper on the Siberian library system was well received, as this was a subject new to the audience, and several questions followed.

Open Session to be held at the 65h IFLA Conference, Bangkok has the theme: 'Asia in the global information village: the role of the Internet in developing countries' will include as speakers: Liu Luyin, China; Jagtar Singh, India; Olga Fedotova, Siberia and Rashidah Begum, Malaysia.

A Workshop will be held at the 65h IFLA Conference, Bangkok joint with RTMLA - 'Common problems, different solutions: managing library associations in developing countries'.

A Reception for DANIDA grantees and invited guests will be held following the workshop

Relationships with other bodies:
The Section works closely with the other IFLA professional groups, with members contributing individually and as a group to a variety of activities. The Section's close relationship with the ALP Core Programme continued. A joint workshop on managing library associations was held during the Bangkok Conference with the Round Table for the Management of Library Associations. The Chair contributed input and suggested speakers for the PAC Pre-Conference Meeting on Preservation of Oral Cultures, 1999.

Action Plan 1998-1999

• Information technology scholarships (recurrent)
• Work attachments (recurrent)
• Workshop on the management of library associations, Bangkok, August 1999
• RSAO Newsletter content expanded by 50% (16 to 24 pages), new features and columns added and contributors increased
• Newsletter mailing list revised and improved
• RSCAO brochure and bookmark produced and widely distributed
• UNESCO Public Library Manifesto translated into Bahasa Malaysia, Thai and Sinhalese.
• Videotape produced in August 1999 publicising the work of IFLA in the region
• Networking for Effective Libraries and Information Services seminar to be held in Colombo, November 1999

Date: 10 August 1999
(Amelia McKenzie)

Standing Committee Member of IFLA Section: ASIA/OC (No.26)

1997-2001

Ravinder Kumar Chadha

Ms Khunying Maenmas Chavalit

Ms Olga P. Fedotova

A.P. Gakhar

Ms Thara Kanakamani

Jayasiri Lankage

Ms Amelia McKenzie

Ms Hilda T. Nassar

Ms Anna Shirinian

Ms Beixin Sun

1999-2003

Ms Elizabeth Fong

Gary E. Gorman

Abbas Horri

Ms Sun Liping

P.E. Harrison Perera

Zhu Qiang

RSCAO Meeting, Friday 27 August, 1999
Photographed by
Ms. Abhinya Benjawannakorn

RSCAO Forum

Ms. Elizabeth Fong (Senior librarian,University of South Pacific Library, Fiji)
Ms. Sun Liping (Director of International Cooperation Division, National Library of China)
P.E. Harrison Perera (Assistant Director (Information), British Council, Sri Lanka)
Gary E. Gorman ( Senior Lecturer, School of Communications,Information Management, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand) and
Zhu Qiang (Deputy Director, Peking University of Library).

The Committee now has 18 members out of a possible 20. The Committee would also like to extend its thanks to Ms. Donita Simmons who has finished her maximum term of office, Jiang Weiming who did not re-nominate, and Peter Durey for their valuable contributions during their term of office.

At the RSCAO meeting in Bangkok, Ms. Amelia and Ms. Rashidah were unanimously re-elected Chair and Secretary/Treasurer of the Section. Ms. Olga was appointed Information Coordinator (IC). The main duty of the IC will be to disseminate information about the Section through IFLANET. (Rashidah Begum)

Networking for Effective Libraries and Information Services Workshop.

The RSCAO has just completed a Project three years in the planning but now most successfully concluded. Networking in the countries of South Asia was considered to be a most important problem to which resolutions needed to be found. The Project was conceived by Mr Gakkar [the RSCAO's previous Chairman] and substantially expanded by Professor Russell Bowden, approved by the RSCAO and agreed for funding by IFLA's ALP. Organisation was entrusted to the Sri Lanka Library Association who efficiently organised the event in a sea-front down-town Colombo hotel from 17 to 23 October.

Almost seventy participants attended from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka with Resource Persons from Australia, Canada, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, the United Kingdom and the US and with representatives of IFLA [Prof. Derek Law - IFLA's Hon. Treasurer] and its Universal Data Transfer [UDT] Core Programme - Terry Kuny.

Much of the work was undertaken in six sessions in four Groups which allowed all to participate and ideas, and eventually resolutions, to grow naturally from the considerations of the issues that had been raised in the preceding papers. The Resolutions, framed under five headings - Networks [5 resolutions], Policy, Planning & Management [5], Technology [3], Funding & Marketing [5], and Human Resources Development [7] - are practical and far-reaching. It is intended that they will be useful not only to the South Asian countries but also to many others in the RSCAO region, and especially the smaller island states of Oceania. Actions from them will be expected to be initiated by the participants from the South Asian countries [this was one of the criteria on which they were selected - and they will be asked to regularly report back progress] and also by the RSCAO when it meets in March and thence by other parts of IFLA - especially the ALP and UDT Core Programmes.

A final, and personal, observation: some of the contributions were excellent and the expertise and knowledge brought, by nearly all those involved, have clearly shown the way forward to 'network' not only using traditional library and information services and practices and skills but also what needs to be done to more effectively network, by exploiting to the full, the new ITs and particularly the Internet.

Most successfully organised by the Sri Lanka LA, whose first major international conference it was, it marks a new relationship between Lankan library and information science professionals and the international community - especially IFLA. All-in-all an important IFLA initiative to narrow the growing gap between the information rich and the information poor both within IFLA and within individual nations.
(Professor Russell Bowden,IFLA Hon. Fellow)

FAIFE

In a 29 September 1999 letter to President Fidel Castro Ruz, FAIFE protested a series of incidents indicating a pattern of State supported and instigated harassment of independent libraries in Cuba, including threats, intimidation, eviction, short-term arrests, and the confiscation of their incoming book donations or existing book collections.

The letter is based on a FAIFE Report on Cuba / September 1999: "Independent Libraries in Cuba". Cuban citizens have formed 18 libraries, named 'Bibliotecas Independientes', throughout Cuba to 'grant access to books, magazines, documents and other publications to which there is no access in state institutions' and thus challenge the Cuban Government in regard to intellectual freedom.

Both the letter for President Fidel Castro and the FAIFE Report are available at the FAIFE web site: http://www.faife.dk

FAIFE urges other concerned parties to send appeals on this matter to the President of Cuba at the following address:

His Excellency Fidel Castro Ruz

FAIFE (Free Access to Information and Freedom of Expression) is the instrument of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) to promote intellectual freedom and the vital mission of libraries as gateways to knowledge and ideas. FAIFE advocates intellectual freedom in all aspects related to libraries and librarianship. FAIFE was launched in 1997 and consists of a Committee and an Office. The Committee has 27 members nominated by national library associations from almost all parts of the world.

IFLA / FAIFE Office

News in the Region

Australia

New Head of the National Library of Australia

The new Director General of the National Library of Australia was announced today.

'After an extensive international search, I am delighted to announce the appointment of Jan Fullerton as Director-General of the National Library of Australia,' Federal Minister for the Arts, Peter McGauran said.

'Ms Fullerton has extensive management experience and a comprehensive understanding of the Library, its functions and audiences. This will be a great asset to the Library as it takes up the challenges of collecting, preserving and providing access to digital information for all Australians,' Mr McGauran said.

The Chairman of the National Library Council, Jim Bain, also welcomed Ms Fullerton's appointment.

'I have had the pleasure of working with Ms Fullerton over the past 13 months. She is a highly competent manager with a deep commitment to the organisation and the people it serves,' Mr Bain said.

'Ms Fullerton has a profound knowledge of the collection and is passionate about making it accessible to the nation and beyond. She has an understanding of the current complex communications and information environment, which will serve the Library well in the years to come,' he said.

Ms Fullerton joined the Library in 1968 and has played a significant role in various areas including Principal Librarian, Cataloguing and Assistant Director-General of Collections and Reader Services Division. She has also acted as both its Deputy Director-General and Director-General.

The collections and services of the National Library of Australia underpin Australian cultural and intellectual pursuits. The Library is the preeminent source for the documentary record of Australia and its place in the world. (Susanne Bruhn, Reference 2, Wed, 11 Aug 1999)

India

IV-Tamilnadu Library Conference-Seminar

The IV Tamilnadu Library Conference-Seminar was held during 20-22, August `99 at Madurai Kamaraj University. It was jointly organised by Dept. of Library and Information Science at Madurai Kamaraj University and the Tamilnadu Library Association with the theme "Hightech Library and the Modern Reader." More than 250 delegates from all over Tamilnadu participated and a book exhibition for 3 days also conducted in the Library Hall.
The prestigious "Dr. S.R. Ranganathan Awards" were presented to 1. Prof. A. Srimurugan, HOD, DLIS and Librarian i/c M.K. University for his dedicated Library Service and to 2. Mr. S. Venugopal, Bharathidasan University Library who has developed a Library Software. The Inaugural function was attended by the Speaker of Tamilnadu Legislative Assembly Honorable P.T.R. Palanivelrajan and Four Vice-Chancellors of Madurai Kamaraj University, Gandhigram Rural University, Bharathidasan University and Manonmaniam Sundaranar University.
(M. Muthuswami)

Visiting Commonwealth Fellow

Siberia

As part of the Siberian library Centre for Continuing Education Programme the State Public Scientific-Technical Library of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Science hosted in October 19-21 a seminar on "Library Professional: Continuing Education in Changed Conditions". Sponsored by the "Open Society Institute" it welcomed participants, about 100, from all parts of Siberia, the Russian Far East, Yakutia, Kchakassa, and Altai as well as Moscow, St. Petersburg, Tatarstan, the Urals, etc.

There were representatives not only from different libraries: public, libraries for children and young Adults, libraries for the blind, university and research libraries, but also from educational establishments teaching library and inform- ation professionals. A variety of topics concerning staff education, development and training were discussed, including new developments in library legislation, psychological motivation, and economic components of libraries' activities. Special attention was paid to new perspectives in domestic and international cooperation, among them being educatioonal programmes within the IFLA Section: Asia /Oceania.

This significant information, mostly based on material kindly presented by Dr. G. Gorman, was altogether new to the majority of the audience and aroused everybody's interest. All reports and papers will be published by the end of the year.

The Seminar was followed by the RLA SC Section: Library Profession, Staff and Continuing Education meeting that discussed its activit- ies as well as current and future plans and projects. (E.B. Soboleva, E.B. Artem'eva, O.P.Fedotova)

Singapore

The National Library Board, Singapore and the Library Association of Singapore, with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, played host to 18 top librarians from the 10 ASEAN countries.

The objectives of the week-long Fellowship Programme are to promote greater understanding among national libraries and librarians in the region, share experiences in library strategy, services and operations and foster closer cooperation among them.

The programme integrated official visits to various branches of the National Library Board, Temasek Polytechnic Library, The Straits Times Editorial Library and the School of Information and Applied Science of Temasek Polytechnic. Participants spent enjoyable evenings interacting with each other and Singapore senior library professionals and personnel from a wide variety of libraries and resource centres.

On the last day, concrete plans of action were identified to promote greater cooperation among libraries in the region with each country taking the lead for several topics. It was also proposed that CONSAL set up a permanent Secretariat to function more efficiently.

The group also participated and witnessed the Declaration on the Formation of the Southeast Asia-National Library Group (SEA-NLG) on 21st April.

Encouraged by the success of the Meeting, plans are made for another meeting to be held in Bangkok in August 1999 to evaluate and develop the action plans accepted for implementation.
(Press Release supplied by Rashid Begum)

Vietnam

Appeal for Assistance

Libraries are requested to consider donating recently published books and periodicals to the American Studies Resource Room. The people of North Vietnam are hungry for information on the United States and its people, and it is normally extremely difficult for them to acquire and gain access to current materials because of the costs and competing priorities. Please send any donations directly to:

Ms Le Le Hang or Ms Le Thi Hong Van

Conferences Seminars Workshops

Reports from the Conferences

First International Conference on Repository Libraries

A repository is a storage facility to which libraries can transfer books and periodicals which are no longer required by their readers.

Bytransferring such materials to a repository the libraries can reduce their storage costs and the pressure to expand library buildings, while the transferred materials can still be retrieved if required by library users.

The purpose of the conference was to discuss how repository strategies can contribute to managing collections and the availability of less used materials on a regional, national or local level. The conference also aimed at revising the UAP publication about National Repository solutions. More than 50 delegates from Europe, Africa, Asia, and America, representing different library types, had a chance to listen to 21 papers.

Keynote speakers were Don Simpson, Center for Research Libraries, USA and Peter Lor, State Library, South Africa, the chairman of the Conference of the Directors of the National Libraries (CDNL). Simpson's paper discussed the role of a repository in co-operative collection management. He stressed the importance of active repositories in contrast to passive storage libraries. Peter Lor spoke about the need of a repository strategy in a national library network. His conclusion was that repositories can take care of many functions that are listed as national library functions in UNESCO's Guidelines for Legislation for National Library Services. He ended in stressing that national libraries should be involved with repository strategies. The matter will be on the agenda of the next CDNL meeting in Bangkok, in August.

Universal Availability of Publications (UAP) Programme of IFLA has undertaken a survey on repository solutions in different countries. The results indicate that there is a need for a research agenda that starts by defining what is a repository library today and how will it change in the electronic era. There is also a need for standard methods of measuring the efficiency of differing repository solutions along with a list of best work practices with comparable cost data.

The first conference showed that there is interest to share experiences and plan forms of co-operation. It was agreed to continue co-operation between repository libraries and other interested parties. A meeting of all interested parties will be held at the Bangkok IFLA Conference. The next conference is scheduled for the year 2001 as a satellite conference to the Boston IFLA conference.

Further information:
Pentti Vattulainen,

65th IFLA Council and General Conference

IFLA Academic Exhibition

A display of IFLA conference bags dating back to the 1980 Manila IFLA Conference were put up for auction and raised seed money for IFLA activities and projects.

The Poster Sessions provided information which was varied in subject matter international in coverage and of current interest.
(Maria LaoSunthara)

FAIFE Activities

FAIFE Business Meetings

The FAIFE Office Report presented the contacts created to human rights organizations, journalist and press organizations and other international forums e.g. UNESCO and Council of Europe. The IFLA initiative has been well received everywhere, but the work has also illuminated the necessity of raising the general awareness of the fundamental relation between libraries and the concept of intellectual freedom (IF). Most of these organizations deal with freedom of expression as an issue of producing and publicizing, while FAIFE includes the issue of access.

The Office report also stressed the importance of the new IFLA Statement on Libraries and Intellectual Freedom, which was prepared by FAIFE and adopted by the IFLA executive Board (EB) March 1999. The statement is the first step in providing IFLA with instruments for a policy in the field of IF. The Office has launched a FAIFE website, linked to IFLANET, which has expanded quite rapidly and has more than 15.000 hits a month. The Office has also produced an introductory leaflet on FAIFE in 20.000 copies of which 11.000 will be disseminated in the magazine Index on Censorship this autumn. A new FAIFE bookmark was also introduced in Bangkok.

The Committee also revised the FAIFE Action plan for 1999-2000. A proposal from the Office was adopted with minor changes. It was decided that the Office should look into the possibilities of setting up both an internal Committee mailing list and an open one to stimulate general debate on IF issues within IFLA membership.

A 1st draft of a FAIFE World Report was presented at the 1st business meeting exclusively for Committee members (the draft report will be sent to those members not present at the Bangkok conference). The draft included preliminary reports from 35 countries. Both the format and the nature of the content were discussed. The debate concentrated on some essential themes: The sensitivity of the information and the protection and anonymity of the informants: There was deep concern for the safety of the FAIFE informants. In some countries it involves an element of risk to reveal this kind of information, and there might not be any support or protection from the national professional community.

As neither FAIFE nor IFLA has the possibility to eliminate this risk, it is vital that all contributions are treated with the utmost discretion and confidentiality. Contributors will remain anonymous - their identities only known to the FAIFE Chair and Office. Various techniques used by other Human Rights Organizations to protect sources of information will adopted by FAIFE. The importance of sources outside the library world was underlined, both to provide information and to secure thorough evaluation and certification.
The definition of a Country Report format: It was stated that a more similar structuring of the country reports would add to the value of the FAIFE World Report. It was suggested that these elements were included: Contextual information: Key figures on the country, e.g. media and libraries.

• General information on IF and libraries, including legislation, LA positions
• Incidents, cases and examples
• Evaluation

It was agreed that the existing country reports should be publicized on the FAIFE website. Contributors wanting to revise their reports are asked to do so as soon as possible. The final report, will be publicized both on the FAIFE Website and in a printed version in connection with the Jerusalem Conference in 2000.

Concerning Committee membership it was announced that Mr. Søren Møller, former vice-president of the Danish Library Association, wished to withdraw from his seat. The Committee decided to propose to the EB that he should be replaced by Ms. Winnie Vitzansky, secretary general of the Danish Library Association. Furthermore two new members were suggested: Ms. Clara Budnik, Biblioteca Nacional de Chile, and Ana Cecilia Torres, Universidad Nacional de Costa Rica. As the Committee has insufficient representation in Latin America, it was recommended that both be included as members.

A special case was mentioned at the business meetings. Cuban citizens have formed 18 independent libraries throughout Cuba to "grant access to books, magazines, documents and other publications to which there is no access in state institutions" and thus challenge the Cuban government in regard to intellectual freedom. A series of incidents indicates a pattern of State harassment of these libraries, including threats, intimidation, eviction, short-term arrests, and the confiscation of their incoming book donations or existing book collections. The FAIFE Office is at present investigating the incident and will shortly produce a report.

The Committee evaluated the FAIFE programme at the IFLA conference in Bangkok. There was overall satisfaction with the FAIFE performances. It is important to have both general introductions - meeting the needs of the many newcomers - and more subject-related sessions, which go deeper into the substance. The tradition of a Guest Lecture on IF issues must be maintained. There was a suggestion that FAIFE at future conferences will have a special FAIFE room, which offers delegates the opportunity to meet Committee members and Office staff, to have small meetings and a cup of coffee.

Alex Byrne briefed the Committee on the situation concerning the Jerusalem conference 2000. The issue has been debated in the EB on the basis of a paper produced by the FAIFE Chair and Office. As a result a delegation of 2 EB members and the Secretary General visited Jerusalem and met with the Organizing Committee. In consequence of the choice of venue the Arab library associations have decided not to participate and the League of Arab States has initiated a campaign to boycott of the conference.

It was informed that AFLA, the Arab Federation of Library Associations, is having its annual conference in Beirut August 2000 - the week before the IFLA conference. FAIFE was invited to have a programme or a workshop at this conference.

The need of arranging a mid-term Committee meeting was debated. It was decided that the Office should investigate the financial and practical possibilities and the professional benefits.

FAIFE Guest Lecture

FAIFE Open Session

FAIFE Workshop

Other Business

After the conference the Office made a three days journey to Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville, Cambodia. Thanks to contacts provided by Basil Fernando we were able to meet with representatives of organizations of relevance to FAIFE: The Khmer Institute of Democracy, The Asia Foundation, ADHOC, Cambodian Human Rights and Development Association, LICADHO - Cambodian League for the Promotion and Defense of Human Rights, The Documentation Centre of Cambodia, and The League of Cambodian Journalists.
Jan Ristarp, Carsten Frederiksen
(Carsten Frederiksen, Reference 2, Wed, 29 Sep 1999)

IFLA Literacy Working Group Presentation

The Literacy WG was charged by the Professional Board to propose a policy and specific course of action by IFLA, over the long term, to support the promotion of literacy, and the development of reading skills through libraries. The WG has completed an international survey which for the first time provides a snapshot view of the roles libraries and library associations play in literacy promotion. The consultant for the project, Dennis Blyth, Motive Research, USA, will review the survey findings. The chair, secretary and other members of the WG will also be on hand to informally discuss the recommendations with attendees.

The consultant will also be available at the WG's poster session on the survey on Tuesday and Wednesday of the conference. The availability of the final report on the web will be announced on IFLA-L after the conference.
(Martin Kesselman, Reference 2, Wed, 28 Jul 1999)

New Discussion Group

The section on Acquisition and Collection Development has agreed to sponsor the group. Pentti Vattulainen, Finland has agreed to act as the convenor of the discussion group.

The goals of the discussion group have been formulated as follows:

• spreading knowledge of the service potential of repository libraries as well as the cost-effectiveness of repositories to the library community they serve;
• provide a forum for exchange of ideas among repository and storage library managers;
• discuss the concept of a repository in the changing world and especially in the expanding digital environment;
• discuss the effects of the digital environment;
• to study the role of repository and storage libraries in increasing availability of library materials;
• develop and promote a research programme on repository and storage libraries in the context of universal availability of publications and national library and information policies;
• discuss matters connected with preservation of material held in repository libraries.

All those that are interested in this discussion group, should send their endorsements by e-mail to: pentti.vattulainen@nrl.fi
(Pentti Vattulainen, Reference 2, Wed, 6 Oct 1999)

Danida Travel Grant For Developing Countries

In October 1998 the grant was announced with February 1 as the closing date. More than 400 applications were received from all over the world. The IFLA Regional Sections made a ranking and in March the DTG Selection Committee met in Uppsala to make the final selection. At the selection the geographical spread, type of library and the expected "trickle down" effects were especially considered. There were many good applicants who deserved to get a grant, but only 40 candidates could be selected. They came from 35 different countries. From the Asia and Oceania Region the following countries were represented: Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, the Philippines, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Sri Lanka, Vanuatu and Vietnam. Most of the candidates had e-mail connections which facilitated communications between us. Only one candidate could not be reached with the good news and instead we made another person happy. As many as 38 persons managed to make it.

In Bangkok the Thailand Grant Committee, headed by Dr. Pensri , handled the ticketing, accommodations and the programme, and did so admirably.

For many grantees it was the first time they were outside their country, and they were very keen on learning and making new contacts. We had asked the grantees to write a short narrative evaluation of the conference, and in those received so far the grantees found the conference very informative and beneficial for their profession. Meeting with colleagues from all over the world and creating networks, making new friends, sharing experiences, participating in the different sessions, and visiting the exhibition to see all the latest in the library world, were noted by many attendees as very interesting and important. All stressed "the good organization of travel arrangements, both before, during and after the conference, beautiful accommodations at spacious hotels with both good and caring management and staff", and also the warm Thai hospitality. It was a worthwhile venture for the grantees.
(Birgitta Sandell)

Narrative Evaluation from a Grantee

Just like what Dr. Pensri Guaysuwan told me when we met during the international reception, the conference is only the beginning of a network that offers more opportunities in a global scale. Now, it's up to me to build up that network and avail myself of its unlimited benefits. I have met, and made, some new friends with the other Danida grantees and we promised to continue to share newfound ideas with regards to our professional advantage as well as other human interests. I even found out that some of the participants from other countries and I share the same librarian acquaintances here in the Philippines.

The exhibition offered so many products and new technologies but I failed to attend any product demonstrations because I was so occupied attending the sessions and library visits. Nevertheless, the staff in the booths were ever ready to answer some of my questions and had a ready business card to contact with for further inquiries.

The conference site (BITEC), the hotel (King Park Avenue), and the shuttle bus service were also highly commendable because their facilities were good and their staffs were very helpful in giving assistance.

With this conference, I had the chance to experience the renowned traditional Thai hospitality, a glimpse of their culture (which is somewhat related to ours), and a taste of their exotic food. Truly, Thailand is a land of smiles because the volunteers were always smiling whatever time of day it was. It seems that the smile had already been built on their faces.

With this, I am very grateful to Danida who provided me financial support, the IFLA/ALP, and the Thailand Conference Grant Committee for their continued assistance before, during, and after the conference.
(Amor Daligdig)

IFLA Thailand Conference Grant

We learnt at the very last minute that two of our grantees could not make it to the conference, and we could expect only two: one from the Philippines, and the other one from Nepal. We were very pleased that both of them showed up. The following is a report from one of them.
(Pensri Guaysuwan)

An IFLA '99 Experience

Having been to Bangkok, Thailand as a paper presenter in 1989, I was surprised by its development. It was really an amazing Thailand. Arriving at the wee hours of Friday night to the airport, I immediately noticed an information booth for IFLA delegates which gave me a feeling of belonging. Together with other delegates from other countries, we checked-in to our respective hotels.

After the registration, I found out that the IFLA conference is different from other conferences I have previously attended. It was an occasion where you maximize attendance to several events which are happening more or less at the same time. To avoid rushes in schedule, I selected sessions/workshops/library visits which my institution would benefit from most. Attendance at the meetings of the Coordinating Boards and different Committees was a good way to fully understand the work of IFLA's divisions, sections and round tables. Aside from the IFLA orientation for newcomers, it was a great opportunity to meet old as well as new friends in the profession. I had the opportunity to attend a workshop off-site on S & T joint with User Education. I also have had the chance, as well as my colleagues here, to be invited to submit topic proposals on User Education for the next Conference.

The Exhibition was a good venue for the delegates to keep abreast of the new technologies in the profession. This also gave us the opportunity to review the products presented by the exhibitors.

At first I thought sessions will start Monday but Saturday and Sunday already kept me busy attending meetings/sessions of the various steering bodies. The papers and documentation were excellent. I could have brought with me the CD-ROM only and just browse the IFLA-NET, but I wanted immediate access to the printed copies for majority of my colleagues here, hence a separate package for the booklets, selected papers and announcements. In general, I have found the topics very relevant to our institution and plans are underway to apply those which are appropriate to our condition. Our libraries might be behind in some aspects, due to funding problems, but this does not stop us from improving within our means and capabilities, hence the project proposal to upgrade the existing college/unit libraries here at UP Los Banos.

The library visits at Burapha University and King Mongkut Institute of Technology North Bangkok gave me bright ideas on how I could attain such a library with good facilities, service and dedicated staff. I was so impressed by the support of the government to libraries. This could be one reason why Thai people respect so much HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn as we have witnessed during the opening ceremony.

Another delegate even commented that he has never seen this kind of respect accorded to persons in other parts of the world.

The receptions were all amazing: the Gala reception, the Bodin Decha Secondary School reception and of course, the International Reception for DANIDA and TCG grantees. As my countrymate commented during the reception, "we are like princesses". To be treated as such is indeed an honor and a pleasure. Also, knowing your co-grantees and the IFLA organizing committee members, is a rare privilege and opportunity. Add to this is the cultural visits to Vimanmek Museum, Floating market, Rose Garden and Wax Museum. I salute the government of Thailand for preserving their rich cultural heritage.

I commend the IFLA National Organizing Committee for a job well done. As a whole, the conference/library visits/tours were very well organized and I admire the dedication and commitment of the members. I wondered how the cooperation of these people were mobilized towards its success. They do not mind who gets the credit, but they worked harmoniously, untiringly, and really gave their best. The hospitality and warm welcome are unforgettable to a first timer like me.

I look forward to attending IFLA Conferences in the future and I hope I can also contribute to its success.

My sincere thanks for this opportunity.
Vilma G. Anday

Upcoming IFLA Conference

66th IFLA General Conference
Jerusalem, Israel, 13-18 August 2000

The Subtopics are:

• Exchange of electronic bibliographic data
• Cross-cultural networking partnerships
• The multicultural Internet
• Management of information: "librarianship" for the 21st century
• The on-site library in the era of the virtual library
• Educating the professional for the Global Information Infrastructure
• Research in a global environment
• The study of reading in the digital society
• Preservation of the past for the future

For more information, please contact:
Mr. Sjoerd Koopman,

Further information regarding IFLA 2000 can be obtained by contacting Teum Conference Organizers at:
teumcong@netmedia.net.il

Mailing address:
Teum Conference Organizers

1. March 15, 2000 is the deadline for applications to present poster session at the IFLA Annual Conference. (Individuals can send their application directly to the Professional Coordinator at the HQ)
2. May 15, 2000 is the deadline for conference registration at a reduced rate (Contact local organizer for registration form)
3. May 15, 2000 is the deadline for receipt of all approved conference papers at HQ, for inclusion in the pre-print booklets. (Paper presenters should contact Officers of the relevant Divisions, Sections, or Round Tables for details)

Call for Papers

The theme of the Open Session will be: Cross cultural networking partnerships in the Asia and Oceania region. Deadline for receipt of papers: 1 February 2000. Full drafts should be sent to Amelia McKenzie at: amckenzi@nla.gov.au or on disk or paper to the address below.

Authors of accepted papers will receive an official invitation to the IFLA Conference. Acceptance of a paper does not imply any assistance with costs - travel to Jerusalem, conference registration and local costs are the responsibility of the authors of accepted papers or their institutions.

All paper submitted will be considered by the Regional Standing Committee at its March 2000 meeting. Authors will be notified of the Committee's decision by late March and should be ready to submit their papers to IFLA Headquarters in electronic form by the closing date of 15 May.

Any colleagues seeking advice or assistance on the content or form of papers are invited to contact the RSCAO Chair Amelia McKenzie at the address below.

Papers should be sent to:
Amelia McKenzie

Section on Regional Activities: Africa

Theme: Networking and cooperation in the information age : the African experience

1. Papers must be original and have never been published before.
2. Papers should be of 20 pages maximum, two-double space.
3. They should be in English or French with an abstract of one page in the same language.
4. 20 minutes will be allowed for the delivery of the paper.
5. The original and 3 copies are needed.
6. Papers may be sent on diskette in ASCII, Word or WordPerfect format.
7. The author should indicate his/her personal full identification and an abstract of the curriculum vitae.
8. Deadline for presentation is January 15, 2000.
9. Papers should be sent to the Regional Manager in Dakar, Senegal.

Selection: A jury selected by the President of IFLA Africa Section, including the President, Secretary and the Regional Manager will select the best papers.

Please send your paper to:
Henri Sene

Section of Art Libraries

Open Session (formal papers)
Topic: Cataloguing ephemera in the art library, towards integrated access. We would like the speakers to focus on such factors as cataloguing artists files, rules and standards for cataloguing ephemera, and integrated access.

Workshop (interactive, short presentations)
Topic: Art reference in the digital age.
Subtopics: electronic reference, user training, library staff education, providing access through on-line cataloguing. The format of the Workshop will be interactive. The papers will not be read, but the main points will be presented by the speakers, followed by four specific statements. Four discussion groups will comment on these statements, followed by a plenary discussion.

Proposals should include the title of the paper and a half-page abstract, along with your name, library affiliation, address, telephone and fax numbers and e-mail address. The deadline for proposals is January 31, 2000. The results of the selection process will be announced by the end of February 1999. In order to be included in the conference papers, a camera-ready copy will be due by April 1, 2000. The papers for the Open Session should be no more than 8 pages on A4 paper, double-spaced. The Workshop presentation papers should be no longer than 4 pages on A4, double spaced.

If you are interested in participating in this programme, please contact or send your proposal to:
Jeannette Dixon

Please note that the Standing Committee has no funds to support speakers' attendance, so all fees including registration to the conference, travel and accommodation are the responsibility of the authors of accepted papers.

Geert-Jan Koot

Section of Biological and Medical Libraries

Proposals should include the title of the paper and a 300 maximum word abstract, with your name, library affiliation, address, telephone number, and email address. The deadline for proposals is December 15, 1999. In order to be included in the conference proceedings an electronic copy of the paper will be due by 1 April 2000.

Please note that the Section has no funds to support speakers' attendance, so all fees including registration to the conference, travel and accommodation are the responsibility of the authors.

Please send your proposals, preferable by email or fax to:
Ysabel Bertolucci

Danida Travel Grant- 2000 -

Priority will be given to younger professionals with a minimum of 5 years of experience in the field of libraries.

In appointing the grants, the Grants Committee will look for a balance between all sectors of library & information work.

Applications, including professional curriculum vitae and information on present occupation should be submitted as soon as possible.

Criteria for allocation of the Danida Travel Grant:

• … Candidates are from developing countries (according to Worldbank standards).
• … Priority to younger professionals.
• … Priority to applicants who are not regular IFLA conference attendees.
• … Wide geographic distribution.
• … General quality of application.
• … Professional background and experience: level of education, positions held and professional experience in general. Type of library experience is also considered in order to get balance between all sectors of library and information work.
• … Committed letter of application and well presented CV.

Deadline of Application: 1 February 2000.

IFLA ALP

67th IFLA Council and General Conference
Boston, U.S.A.
16th-25th August, 2001

Libraries and Librarians: Making a Difference in the Knowledge Age

More information:
http://archive.ifla.org/IV/ifla67/index.htm/

IFLA Goes to Buenos Aires in 2004

"It was a very difficult decision" said Nancy John, Chair of IFLA's Conference Planning Committee. "Both the finalists had made excellent bids. In the end the chance of holding our conference for the first time in Latin America was the unique selling point that won it for Buenos Aires."

The other finalist was Seoul. The commitment of the Korean government to the success of the conference was an especially attractive feature of this bid. The bid was so good, that the Executive Board decided to offer the 2006 conference to Seoul.

Following usual IFLA practice, expressions of interest to hold the conference in 2005 are now open.

The next IFLA conferences will be held at the following venues:
2000: Jerusalem
2001: Boston
2002: Glasgow
2003: Berlin
2004: Buenos Aires
2005: expressions of interest are invited
2006: Seoul
(Josche Neven, Reference 2, Mon, 13 Sep 1999)

Other Events

Preliminary Conference Announcement

Networking for Library Development in the Arab States, 6-8 March 2000 American University of Beirut, Lebanon

An international seminar and workshop organized by the IFLA Regional Section for Asia and Oceania in conjunction with the Advancement of Librarianship Programme.

The programme will include papers on the following themes:

Day 1
Opening address and keynote speech
Successful information-based networks
Networking infrastructure
Vendor sessions

Day 2
Regional cooperation: reality or dream?
Issues of international cooperation - workshop session 1
Library visits (Beirut)

Day 3
Issues of international cooperation - workshop session 2
Close of seminar
Library visits (Beit-el-Din, Baalbek)

Further information can be obtained from
Hilda T. Nassar, RSCAO Member

Amelia McKenzie

Eleventh Congress of Southeast Asian Librarians

CONSAL 2000

More details: http://www.consal.org.sg

Contact:
Phone: +(65) 434 3624
Fax: +(65) 334 0582 / 8832 393
E-mail: consal@reedexpo.com.sg

Mail:
Reed Exhibitions Pte Ltd
No. 1 Temasek Avenue, #17-01 Millenia
Tower, Singapore 039192

CRIMEA 2000

The Seventh International Conference will be held in Sudak, The Autonomous Republic of Crimea, from June 3-11, 2000. Envisaged is a number of quest events in other Crimean towns: Yalta, Alushta, Simferopol and Feodosia. ...
For a complete copy of the Call for Papers, see
http://www.iliac.org/crimea2000/eng_inf.html
(Les Pourciau, Reference 2, Thu, 30 Sep 1999)

SLA Global 2000 Fellowship

Margarita S. Studemeister
Global 2000 Selection Committee
E-mail: mss@usip.org

The Special Libraries Asssociation is offering a limited number of fellowships for individuals who wish to attend this Conference and have financial need. It is an opportunity for librarians to meet other special librarians from around the world. They will be able to share their knowledge, ideas and solutions to various problems in the electronic information age.

A full Fellowship will include transportation to the Global 2000 Conference, Conference registration, and hotel accommodations for the days of the Conference.

Criteria for Fellowship Applicants:

• A professional degree and/or a certificate in library studies.
• Minimum of 5 years of practical experience at a professional level in a corporate, government, academic, nonprofit or other specialized library.
• Currently employed in a specialized library.
• Working knowledge of English.
• Able to obtain required travel documents.
• Ability to interact within his or her library community.
• Demonstrated institutional support. A letter from an employer will be requested if the applicant is selected for a fellowship.
• A national of a developing country, and practicing as a librarian in a developing country.

To apply, please submit, in no more than 6 pages:

• A completed application form.
• A brief resume or curriculum vitae.
• Information about professional affiliations, memberships, awards and publications should be included.
• Two letters of recommendation.
• Essay question: Please write a brief essay (about 250 words) describing why you want to attend the Global 2000 Conference in England, why it is important to you, what you expect to achieve, and how you would disseminate the knowledge acquired to your fellow librarians at home. Mention any library networks that you could employ.

To apply by mail, send applications to :
Global 2000 Fellowship
Special Libraries Association
1700 Eighteenth Street NW
Washington, D.C. 20009-2514 USA

To apply by e-mail or by fax:
global2000@sla.org
Or faxed to 1-202-265-9317.

Deadline: Applications must be postmarked by January 1, 2000.

For more information on the missions and goals of this conference please visit the SLA website at
http://www.slaglobal2000.org
(Margarita Studemeister)

Conference for Academic Libraries

ALP News

Project Applications

Project Areas
The four special programme areas of ALP are:

• Continuing education and training;
• Development of library associations;
• Promotion of library and information services to the public, including the promotion of literacy;
• Introduction of new technology into library services.

Criteria
The following criteria are relevant:

• The project should be of relevance to several countries in the sub-region or region;
• Or, if it is national, it should lend itself to development as a model or pilot project, able to be repeated in other countries;
• It should have the support of relevant authorities or organizations;
• It should fit into the current Medium Term Programme of ALP;
• Projects can not be supported if their main aim is to provide buildings or equipment;
• The cost must not exceed 15,000 USD;
• No cost must concern industrialized countries.

Project submission form can be obtained from the Regional Office or from IFLA ALP, c/o Uppsala University Library, P.O. Box 510, SE-751 20 Uppsala, Sweden

Deadline for Project Applications to reach the Regional Manager is January 31, 2000.

Ms Pensri Guaysuwan,

IFLA/ALP

Host Institutions Needed

Ms. Daruna Somboonkun

The ALP would also like to compile a list of libraries which are willing to host attachment. Interested institutions may send the brochures indicating their specialization to the programme coordinator at the afore-mentioned address.
(Daruna Somboonkun)

Attachment and Scholarship

• a few years of working experience in library information center
• a bachelor's degree in library information science or related fields
• good command of English
• computer skills
• good health

For attachments, applicants must not be older than 40 years old while applicants for scholarships must not be older than 45 years old.

(Note : Former ALP grant recipients' applications will not be considered)

Interested persons may write to ALP programme coordinator, Ms. Daruna Somboonkun for application forms at:

23/2 Wudthakard 39

Miscellaneous

From IFLA-L

IFLANET mirror site is now available in the Asia Pacific Region

If you have questions, please contact:
Gary Cleveland

IFLA Principles on the IFLANET

Copyright FAQ WebPages

New CLIR reports available

Subject Index to Literature on Electronic Sources of Information

TERENA Publish Revised Edition of the GNRT

The new edition is an extensively updated version of the previous GNRT, released in 1997, containing information on a wide range of popular tasks and tools used on the Internet today. The Guide was written by Margaret Isaacs of MagNet Internet Training and Consultancy in collaboration with members of the TERENA community. The GNRT is intended as a guide for newcomers to the Internet and also serves as reference material for those with more experience.

The new GNRT contains comprehensive coverage of popular resources, tools, and software available on the Internet. It covers topics ranging from exploring and searching for information on the Web, real-time and group communication, publishing information on the Web and security and encryption.

Many sections of the guide have been thoroughly revised to keep up-to-date with the latest Internet developments. A useful Appendix has also been added listing file extensions for many different file formats and the associated software with which the different file types can be decoded, read, listened to or viewed.

The new version of the GNRT is now available on the TERENA WWW server at:
http://www.terena.nl/libr/gnrt/
The WWW page also contains instructions for downloading the document in HTML or Word format for personal or public use on PCs running Windows or Windows NT, Apple Macintoshes, and UNIX machines.

Later this year a professionally printed version of the GNRT will be available for sale from Addison Wesley Longman, a leading academic publisher. Once again, TERENA members will be given the opportunity to purchase copies of the book at a discounted price.

For further information please contact:

Selected RAMP studies available in HTML and RTF

The complete list of RAMP studies can be found at:
http://www.unesco.org/webworld/ramp/rmpstd_1.htm
The following RAMP studies are available in HTML and RTF: numbers 59, 73, 75, 76, 78-96, 98-102, 105, 106, 108-110.
(Anne Muller, Reference 2, Mon, 21 Jun 1999)

NLA Information Server Metadata Strategy

On both sites we have implemented our new formal metadata guidelines, based on the Australian Government Locator Service. Please see
http://www.nla.gov.au/metadata.html
for more details.
(Debbie Campbell, Reference 2, Mon 2, Aug 1999)

AEQ Website

The remaining two leads are common to journals on the web:
http://www.newcastle.edu.au/department/ar/AEQ/V2-4/index.htm
Read sample articles online.
http://higher-ed.org/AEQ/rufen.htm
Submit one by yourself…

We hope that you'll make a point of visiting us soon, enjoy!
Steve Pec, Editor
http://higher-ed.org/AEQ/willk.htm
(Reference 2, Wed, 20 Oct 1999

Conference Papers Library Services for the Blind

AsiaSource's Online Events Calendar

Networking

Bertelsmann Foundation searches for new Network members!

The International Network of Public Libraries was founded in 1996 at the initiative of the Bertelsmann Foundation. It currently consists of14 innovative library practitioners from ten countries (Australia, Germany, Finland, France, Great Britain, Canada, New Zealand, Netherlands, Sweden, USA). The network pools international know-how, strengthens the exchange of experience among experts, supports the development of successful management concepts and promotes their practical implementation.

For the third project phase (July 1999 to December 2000) we are now looking for practitioners with outstanding experience and success in innovative library work to add to our network.

The members of the network jointly prepare research papers on priority issues working together in groups of authors organized by subjects. In the process they consider international experience in the field and analyze particularly successful case studies. In the subsequent discussion within the network the reports are examined for their model character and their transferability. The objective is to develop future-oriented concepts that can, as a matter of principle, be applied in all the countries of the network. In this way solutions are developed by practitioners for the benefit of practitioners. The Bertelsmann Foundation provides financial and organizational support for the network. Each group of authors will get a group budget. Expenses for travelling and accommodation for working group meetings and network conferences will be covered by the Bertelsmann Foundation.

For further information:
http://www.stiftung.bertelsmann.de.

or contact:
Anja Friese

ALA Sister Library Initiative

The American Library Association's New Sister Library Program

ALA has created the Sister Library Program that will match libraries in the US with interested libraries around the world. The relationships are flexible and based on the needs and interest of each partner. If you are interested in forming a Sister Library Relationship with a library in the United States please visit the Sister Library website at:
http://www.ala.org/sisterlibraries
for further information, and to fill out an interest form. Or email the ALA International Relations Office at:
intl@ala.org
Michael Dowling

Awards And Grants

Gale Award Nominations

• description of the resource
• description of the format, e.g., card file, database, etc.
• list of sources used to compile the resource
• target audience
• criteria used in selecting materials for inclusion
• breadth of coverage, i.e., time and subject
• explanation of what makes the resource imaginative or unique

A sample of the resource (or entry, pages, printout, etc.) must accompany the nomination. Statements are due to the Committee chair by December 15. Please send nominations and supporting documentation to:

Janet Doerge

Research Grant Availability: Be Part of the Solution

Available to both practitioners and academics internationally, including Ph.D. students, the purpose of the grant is to support projects which promote research of interest to information professionals and special librarians. Recent awards have been close to $20,000, though projects with smaller budgets are also encouraged. Membership in SLA is not a prerequisite.

Goldspiel applications are evaluated by SLAÆs Research Committee based on the purpose and objectives of the proposed project, the significance of the topic to the profession, the project's methodology, the qualifications of the researcher, and the appropriateness of the project's budget and timetable. The deadline for the SLA Research Director to receive applications is February 28, 2000.

Application materials may be received from SLAÆs fax on demand service in North America(toll-free: 1-888-411- 2856) or internationally (toll-charge: 1-415-278-3910), items #1401-1406. Alternatively, you may visit SLAÆs website at:
http://www.sla.org/research/index.html

or contact:
Ruth M. Arnold,

Publication

IFLA Publication: Guidelines for Easy-to-Read Materials

Order from IFLA HQ by email: publications@ifla.org , or snail mail: IFLA HQ, Attn: Karin Passchier, P.O. Box 95312, 2509 CH The Hague, Netherlands. Price: NLG 22 (NLG15 for LSDP members) + NLG 25 for each shipment. If using credit card, deduct NLG 10 from total costs.
(Vibeke Lehmann, Reference 2, Tue, 10 Aug 1999)

New Publication from the IFLA Office at Boston Spa

The purpose of the conference was to discuss one of the main problems facing libraries: how to house printed collections, at what cost, what kind of repository and co-operative solutions exist and what are the benefits of these solutions. The papers presented covered the various approaches to repository libraries, outlining different models and their importance as part of national/regional networks. The role of repository libraries in providing access and availability to library materials, both traditional and electronic, was explored and the conference concluded with discussions on meeting the challenges of the electronic era. ISBN 0 95 32439 4X PRICE £20.00
(Sara Gould, Reference 2, Wed, 29 Sep 1999)

Call for Papers: Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences

PJBS has been published by the Capricorn Publications, Pakistan since 1997. This is the First Asian Scientific Journal which is also available on Internet
(http://www.pjbs.org) for world wide circulation. It consists of Regional Editors from developed countries and a group of Associate and Technical Editors that are competent research scientists in their respective fields. Five International Agencies (AGRIS, Biological Abstracts, Current Contents, Pakistan Agricultural Database, PASTIC and Zoological Record) have started the abstracting/indexing of this journal. Materials published in this journal presupposed to be circulated in 20 million scientists in the world.

Visit the journals website at:
http://www.pjbs.org
Contact: Muhammad Sarwar
System Coordinator
Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences

Call for Papers: Asia Library News

Contributors:
Lars Aagaard, Vilma G. Anday, Ruth Arnold, Rashidah Begum, Ysabel Bertolucci, Russell Bowden, Susanne Bruhn, John Byrum, Debbie Campbell, Ruth Arnold, Amor Daligdig, Nita Dean, Michael Dowling, Marian Dworaczek, Barbara Berger Eden, Barbara Ewers, Olga P. Fedotova, Sophie Felfoldi, Carsten Frederiksen, Anja Friese, Pensri Guaysuwan, Carol Henry, Martin Kesselman, Sjoerd Koopman, Geert-Jan Koot, Terry Kuny, Maria LaoSunthara, Vibeke Lehmann, Amelia McKenzie, Anne Muller, M. Muthuswami, Gunilla Natvig, Josche Neven, Les Pourciau, Birgitta Sandell, Henri Sene, Daruna Somboonkun, Margarita Studemeister, Marie-Therese Varlamoff, Pentti Vattulainen, Yale Wishnick, Jaffee Yee, Cindy Yoon,

Your free subscription to IFLA RSAO Newsletter is sponsored by: IFLA ALP Core Programme

Drafting Committee:
Pensri Guaysuwan, Maria LaoSunthara, Poolsook Pariwatraworawute

Secretariat:
Malee Siangthai

Editor:
Pensri Guaysuwan, Melinda Lyons

Printer:
Thammasat University Press.

References:

1. Extracted from IFLANET (http://www.ifla.org)
2. Extracted from ifla-l@infoserv.nlc-bnc.ca

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2000

This Newsletter is published twice a year in June and December by IFLA's Regional Office for Asia and Oceania. It is a major communication tool for IFLA members in the region. Please share your ideas and experiences by sending your contributions or suggestions to:
Pensri Guaysuwan,