bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TEL-ME-MOR: A Milestone on the Way to the European Digital Library
Authors: Fuegi David , Segbert Monika
Published: August 2016

TEL-ME-MOR (The European Library: Modular Extensions for Mediating Online Resources) is a project funded by the 1ST programme of the European Union. TEL-ME-MOR aims to raise awareness of opportunities for New Member States to participate in European programmes and to integrate the electronic resources of the 10 national libraries from the New Member States into The European Library ( http://portal.theeuropeanlibrary.org/ ), a service managed by the Royal Library (the national library of the Netherlands) on behalf of the Conference of European National Librarians (CENL, www.cenl.org ). TEL-ME-MOR will run till January 2007 and is producing useful reports on research and digital content in national libraries and multilingual development of the portal, which are available on the project website. TEL-ME-MOR is one of a series of projects through which CENL and the European Union have collaborated. Building on the success of the earlier TEL project and TEL-ME-MOR. the Commission has announced its intention to accord to The European Library a central role in the practical development of the European Digital Library. CENL welcomes the challenge and is currently negotiating a new project. The European Digital Library (EDL), which will bring all remaining EU and EEA national libraries into The European Library as well as content from all willing eContentplus projects. The European Library has begun its transformation into The European Digital Library.
Current Information Issues and Developments in Ghana
Authors: Alemna Anaba
Published: August 2016

This paper reviews the current developments in library and information in Ghana. An attempt is made to discuss the various aspects of information provision such as the types of libraries, government policy, preservation of traditional and indigenous knowledge and the role of the Ghana Library Association. Of major concern to the writer is the limited use of information technology in libraries and information centres in Ghana and the lack of a National Library in the country.
IFLA, the World Summit on the Information Society, and after
Authors: Lor Peter Johan
Published: August 2016

The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions has been active at the World Summit on the Information Society held in Geneva (2003) and Tunis (2005), raising issues of concern to librarians, libraries and their users. The article gives an overview of IFLA's advocacy work during and after WSIS, illustrating its positive effects, such as the statements on the importance of libraries contained in the Geneva Declaration of Principles and Plan of Action. The role of libraries in providing equitable access to information and knowledge was also recognized in the Tunis Agenda for the Information Society. A set of guidelines for utilizing the WSIS action lines in library advocacy has been made available on the IFLA website. IFLA is currently looking beyond WSIS and is committed to using the expertise and dedication of its members to promote the vision that libraries are relevant to all spheres of life and central to the Information Society.
The British Library and Document Supply
Authors: Stephens Andy
Published: August 2016

This paper summarizes the history of the development of the British Library's document supply services, a function for which Dr Maurice Line was responsible as a Director General in the British Library from 1974 to 1988. During its 45–year history, the service has fulfilled over 100 million requests and has responded to over 20,000 customers in 130 countries. While demand has slowed in recent years due to major changes in the way information is disseminated and accessed, in terms of both volume and revenue the British Library remains the world's largest document supplier, and the centralized service remains an invaluable underpin to the UK information infrastructure and retains widespread support from customers and stakeholders, invaluable and essential in terms of sustaining the breadth of access to journal articles. The paper also focuses on the external drivers of change and current developments in the service.
The Digital Preservation Coalition
Authors: Semple Najla
Published: August 2016

This article describes what the Digital Preservation Coalition is and why it was established. It outlines the coalition's activities and summarizes its main achievements and current programme of events. It concentrates particularly on two areas: the recently completed UK Needs Assessment and the Digital Preservation Training Programme. The article outlines some main digital preservation themes and discusses international activities. The final part of the article looks at some current key themes in digital preservation and some of the main challenges it faces.
Digital Preservation Practices in South Africa: Review of Existing Policy, Legislation, Guidelines and Standards
Authors: Drijfhout Douwe
Published: August 2016

This article describes a review of policies, legislation and guidelines for the preservation of digital material in South Africa, which was undertaken as part of UNESCO's wider study of digital preservation in three African countries. The review found that although much remains to be done, some important building blocks for a national digital preservation policy do exist in South Africa. The major players are identified, such as the National Library of South Africa, the National Archives and Records Service of South Africa, and the South African universities and research institutes. There is a pressing need for these bodies to work together in a coordinated way, and it has been proposed that the Digital Imaging South Africa (DISA) project should take on this coordinating role.
The Slovak National Library
Authors: Katuščák Dušan
Published: August 2016

The origins of the Slovak National Library lie in the programme for national awakening elaborated by Enlightenment figures, such as Anton Bernolák, at the turn of the eighteenth to the nineteenth century. The article describes the private libraries that eventually, under the care of the cultural institution Matica slovenská, came to form the basis of the national library's collections. The national library itself, although it existed in a non-governmental form from 1941 to 1953 and its functions were then subsumed within Matica slovenská, finally was established as an autonomous state institution in 2000. The library has assumed a leadership role in relation to Slovakia's library network and has prepared for the Government the Strategy for Development of Slovak Librarianship for 2007–13. Having obtained extensive extra-budgetary funding it is driving a number of projects aimed at building and supporting the Information Society in Slovakia.
Measuring Progress: Recent Developments in Digital Preservation in the Library Community
Authors: Verheul Ingeborg , Van Wijngaarden Hilde
Published: August 2016

The article notes that over the last decade digital preservation has changed from a niche subject to an integrated part of library organization. It summarizes the results of a survey conducted in 2005 by the Koninklijke Bibliotheek, national library of the Netherlands, on best practice in digital preservation, which involved 15 national libraries. As well as the essential technical solutions, the need for the creation of preservation policy plans emerged from the survey as crucial to the whole digital preservation process. The article also describes important developments since the survey was conducted. It shows how best practice is evolving into de facto standards and identifies the beginnings of commercial interest in the marketing of tools for digital preservation.
From Golden Water to Salvation: Tsunami-Affected Libraries in Sri Lanka
Authors: Amarasiri Upali
Published: August 2016

The Indian Ocean tsunami of 26 December 2004 caused extensive damage, particularly in Indonesia and Sri Lanka, but also in Malaysia, Thailand, India, Maldives, Myanmar, Kenya and Tanzania. The paper surveys the impact made by the tsunami on libraries and information services in Sri Lanka, where over 300 libraries and reading rooms were affected by the disaster. Physical damage varied from complete destruction of library buildings to water damage of collections. In the face of heavy loss of life and devastation of infrastructure, it is not surprising that the rescue of library materials did not receive priority. Nevertheless, the National Library and National Archives began immediate efforts to educate librarians and the public about basic methods of conservation of tsunami-damaged materials. A programme was launched to rehabilitate libraries devastated by the tsunami, with the country's leading institutions and organizations in the field of library and information services coming together to form an umbrella organization called the Sri Lanka Disaster Management Committee for Library, Information Services and Archives (SL DMC for LISA). Short-, medium- and long-term plans for library reconstruction have been developed and are described. It is expected to take between five and ten years to complete the programme of rebuilding and rehabilitation, but the result should be a modern network of libraries, operating within an improved general infrastructure.
Library and Archives Canada: A Unique Institution
Authors: Wilson Ian E.
Published: August 2016

The legislation which created Library and Archives Canada was passed in 2004, establishing one of the first organizations in the world to fully integrate the services and functions of a national library and a national archives. The intent was not simply to combine two functions under a single administration, but to create a new, integrated, knowledge-based institution. One of the first challenges LAC faced was to design an organizational structure that would enable it to achieve its legislated mandate, including making Canada's documentary heritage known and more accessible. The vision of this new institution is embodied in a document called Directions for Change, which sets out five key directions for LAC's future: to become a new kind of knowledge institution; a truly national institution; a catalyst, working with others to strengthen the whole of Canada's documentary heritage; a prime learning destination; and a lead institution in government information management. Directions for Change also established the main elements that would guide LAC through the transformative process, such as making access the primary driver, going digital in all aspects, finding new approaches to describing Canada's documentary heritage, and putting a clear focus on the client. By following this direction, Library and Archives Canada has transformed not only itself, but the shape of our accumulated knowledge, and how it is used.
The Austrian National Library: A New Orientation in the Shadows of a Long History
Authors: Rachinger Johanna
Published: August 2016

The Austrian National Library, as heir to the Hapsburg Imperial Court Library, has a history rich in tradition dating to the fourteenth century. Its collections, including those of manuscripts, incunabula, maps and early printed books, are of international significance. A historical outline of the Library describes the growth of the collections under the Habsburg emperors and its emergence as the Austrian National Library in 1920. The Federal Museums Law of 2002 established the Library as an autonomous body, leading to major organizational reform and greater control over budgetary policy. The Library's strategic goals 2002–2006 were: the gradual expansion of the digital library with a corresponding improvement of service to clients; building and repair projects; scientific research and the modernization of the training of librarians; and coming to terms with the period of National Socialism. The new strategic plan covering the five years from 2006 will emphasize further improvements in catalogues, digitizing holdings, and long-term archiving of digital information.
The Role of the National Library of Korea in the Competitiveness Enhancement of Libraries
Authors: Chi-Ju Lee
Published: August 2016

The paper describes projects initiated by the National Library of Korea (NLK) with the aim of improving the nation's information competitiveness. The Library set up a library automation team in 1979, working for library automation in Korea generally as well as in the NLK. Firstly, the NLK developed an automation system for the national bibliography, which was collected and catalogued by the NLK. Secondly, the NLK developed the Korean Library Automation System (KOLAS), which has been distributed to both public libraries and government libraries throughout the entire nation. The system enables individual libraries to establish their own databases by downloading the national bibliographic database without performing original cataloguing locally. The NLK has provided libraries with the national bibliographic database on magnetic tapes, CD-ROMs, and online, according to changes in the technology environment. The NLK next developed a cost-effective resource sharing network system by launching the National Electronic Library in collaboration with major Korean libraries. This resource sharing system allows users to access library materials in cyberspace without visiting a specific library. The NLK has also been establishing a contents database for publications published in Korea. As of 2006, the NLK is planning to select outstanding materials from its legal deposit collection and provide links to the selected materials on the official NLK website, helping public libraries to select valuable works from legal deposit publications. With a library management information system introduced in 2005, the NLK can make decisions on open access stock for each reading room after analysing statistical reports for both open and closed stacks. Until now, the collections have been shelved by the year of publication. The library management information system will help library patrons use the library collection more conveniently and will be distributed to public libraries nationwide.
National Bibliographies: The Chinese Experience
Authors: Gu Ben
Published: August 2016

The printed version of the China National Bibliography was first published in 1987 and ceased to be published in 1994. It is replaced by the online services provided by the National Library of China. Because of the present situation of legal deposit policies in China, the national bibliography has narrow coverage. There is another kind of ‘national bibliography’ with wider coverage, but not done by librarians. In China, there are also problems of different forms of name authorities and different MARC records. The National Library of China is considering a National Union Catalogue to improve the national bibliographical services.
Creating a Visitor Centre at the National Library of Wales: Some Personal Reflections
Authors: Griffiths Rhidian
Published: August 2016

The author, who was Director of Public Services at the National Library of Wales until his retirement in 2008, offers a personal view of the challenge and fulfilment of the significant Library development known as ‘The Visitor Experience’. Throughout its history the National Library of Wales has made efforts to overcome the difficulties posed by its geographical location away from main centres of population. ‘The Visitor Experience’ project, supported by funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Welsh Assembly and the Library's own resources, included new spaces for an auditorium and a gallery for the display of the Library's treasures, but also new service developments, such as the formation of a new and more ambitious exhibitions strategy and the appointment of education and marketing staff. Since the organization was not geared to the more general services which might be enjoyed by casual visitors and cultural tourists, in parallel with the building development the Library undertook a root-and-branch revision of its management structure. The paper demonstrates how these new initiatives were implemented in the belief that the proper business of a national library is to celebrate the cultural wealth of the nation it serves.
Re-Exploring the Library's Value as a Place: The Direction of a New round of Development for Shanghai Library
Authors: Lei Xia
Published: August 2016

After entering the twenty-first century, more and more new library buildings emerged in China; the development of Chinese library activity strode into a brilliant era. As one of the pioneers that led the country's library activity from tradition to modernization, Shanghai Library has been gradually losing its advantage in the modernization of the buildings and facilities. So in the new century, it is significant that recently Shanghai Library has been continuously researching and practising how to aim at new development targets, grasp new development opportunities, and gradually create an endogenously increasing development capability. In re-exploring the library's value as a place, this article explores Shanghai Library's consideration of the new round of development from three aspects: (1) re-exploring the library's value as a place; (2) innovating the hybrid service model; (3) expanding a new area for the knowledge service. The author then puts forward the strategic direction of a new round of development for Shanghai Library.
Copyright Acts as Obstacles for Digital Libraries: The Dutch Experience
Authors: Bossenbroek Martin , Jansen Hans
Published: August 2016

The aim of the article is to put forward the view of the national library of the Netherlands with respect to the copyright obstacles preventing the construction of digital libraries. It argues that the Dutch Copyright Act is in urgent need of amendment to meet the demands of the twenty-first century. The Act provides that works are protected for a period of 70 years after publication, during which term permission is required in advance from the copyright holder for every (re)use of a work. The severe practical difficulties arising from this discourage the creation of digital libraries. Reviewing copyright legislation elsewhere, the authors argue that in the short term the most cost-effective solution for the Netherlands would be a combination of the Scandinavian and North American models, and ideally would include a special Internet exemption for non-commercial use by cultural heritage institutions.
The National Libraries of the Countries of the Francophonie: A Comparative Study
Authors: Lajeunesse Marcel
Published: August 2016

The International Organization of the Francophonie (Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie, OIF) which developed over the last decades of the twentieth century brings together, as of 2008, 53 State and government full members and 13 observer members, spread out over five continents. The Répertoire des bibliothèques nationales de la Francophonie, which is in its third edition (2008), presents index cards on every national library, or library fulfilling such a role, of each member or observer country. After presenting an overview of the International Organization of the Francophonie, this article looks at the creation of the national library in each country, legal deposit and national bibliography. Then, communication (websites) and international relations (membership of IFLA) are addressed. Of the 63 countries surveyed, only 9 countries do not have a national library, although the majority of these nine countries have another institution – a national documentation centre, public or parliamentary library or national archives – that normally fulfils the functions of a national library. It must be recognized that there is a large disparity between the national libraries of developed countries in Europe and North America and those in developing countries of sub-Saharan Africa, Asia and the Antilles. In some sub-Saharan African countries, the national library has only a nominal existence.
The British Library's International Engagement Strategy
Authors: Stephens Andy
Published: August 2016

The British Library is the national library of the United Kingdom and one of the greatest libraries in the world. It is also most emphatically a library for the world. Its collections can be said to contain both ‘the memory of the nation’ and also ‘the DNA of civilization’. Indeed the Library uses the positioning statement: ‘Advancing the world's knowledge’. The Library engages in international activity in a wide variety of ways and at all levels through the organization. However, prior to 2007 the Library had not had a systematic corporate-level focus for its international engagement activity. This paper addresses the British Library's International Engagement Strategy and sets out the contextual background that led to its development and adoption in 2007. It goes on to describe, by using a number of case studies, the range of international activity taken forward by the Library under this strategy in the past two years. These include the Library's support for the reconstruction of the Iraq National Library and Archive and its contribution to the World Collections Programme initiative.
Library Advocacy: The National Library Board of Singapore's Experience
Authors: Choh Ngian Lek
Published: August 2016

The National Library Board (NLB) of Singapore is a centralized library system of some 40 libraries. It comprises one National Library, 23 public libraries and government department libraries including the Parliament Library and Supreme Court Library amongst others. As a publicly funded library system, the NLB has in the past 12 years successfully sought development funding from the government twice. The first was for S$1 billion to build new libraries and upgrade older ones from the period 1996 to 2005. The second was for a further S$100 million to design, build and provide digital library collections and services. This includes setting up knowledge platforms for sharing and collaborations. This article shares some of the learning points from the NLB's experience in negotiating for funds and support from stakeholders. The NLB's ability to convince its stakeholders of its relevance and importance has enabled rapid modernization and implementation of its two proposed roadmaps. The Library continues to serve the people of Singapore effectively in this knowledge age where users are mobile and connected with handheld devices, and always ready to communicate and collaborate with each other.
The UNESCO Memory of the World Programme
Authors: Heaney Michael
Published: August 2016

The Memory of the World Programme was inaugurated by UNESCO in 1993 to promote the safeguarding of libraries and archives, particularly those under threat. It has organized projects and programmes to raise awareness and maintains an international register of documentary heritage of world significance. The most prominent activity has been the maintenance of the International Register of the Memory of the World. At the most recent session of UNESCO’s General Conference, the programme was afforced by the adoption of a UNESCO Recommendation on documentary heritage. The article reviews the history and development of the programme since its inception.
National Libraries around the World 1987–1988: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Line Joyce
Published: August 2016

This review, compiled mainly from published sources, gives some indication of the wide variety of issues that have concerned national libraries in recent years, and of the many developments that have taken place all over the world. General works on national libraries and their functions are featured first, followed by those concerned with particular subjects: New buildings and extensions, Legislation, Collection and retention policy, Legal deposit, Catalogues and bibliographies, and Preservation. The final section is arranged alphabetically by country.
The National Library of Venezuela
Authors: Betancourt Virginia
Published: August 2016

The National Library of Venezuela, now 141 years old, has 900 staff and a 1988 budget of $14.5 million. Its stock of c.2 million items includes over 1 million books and manuscripts, 15,000 periodicals, and audiovisual materials. Many changes have taken place since 1974 during a process of modernization, as part of a project to create a national information system, including the development of a National Audiovisual Archive (the first in Latin America) and the creation of a conservation service. During this time the National Library has also carried out a series of actions to support and promote the national book industry. As a result of the experience accumulated, the National Library is able to serve as a reference point for other countries in Latin America and the Caribbean in planning and developing their own services and national systems.
Cost Savings and Service Strategies in the British National Bibliographic Service
Authors: Lewis Peter
Published: August 2016

The British Library launched in 1986 a Catalogue Action Plan to deal with the long-term prospect of declining financial and manpower resources, the absence of growth in the market for its services, an unacceptably large backlog of uncatalogued materials, and a steadily increasing annual output of British publications to be catalogued. The initial phase of the Plan was designed to contain staff costs by reduction and simplification in data content in BNBMARC and other British Library records, predicating their future use primarily in an online (OPAC) environment. It has had significant success for the British Library's aims in the first full year of implementation, but it has raised questions of the cost-benefit in centralized cataloguing services for the library community, in respect both of the costs and sizing of OPAC systems in local libraries and of the necessity of sustaining indefinitely the high cost of adherence to international standards established before OPACs, the CD-ROMs and OSI had changed the technology.
National Information Policy — Myth or Magic?
Authors: Gray John
Published: August 2016

Those who urge governments to make plans for the consistent development and coordination of information provision face many practical difficulties, in particular, serious doubts among senior policy makers whether a national information policy can or should exist. Four main reasons for their attitudes are described and the implications for advocates of planning are discussed. A distinction is drawn between planning and coordination and the possible nature and functions of a national coordinating organization are described, with emphasis on stimulation and financial support of new activities as well as on coordination.
The International Translations Centre (ITC): An International Network Facilitating Access to Scientific and Technical Translations
Authors: Risseeuw Mickey
Published: August 2016

One of the barriers to the transfer of scientific and technical information is that of language. Access to information is frequently denied or hampered on the basis of the source language. While English-language publications are in the majority, this is no excuse to neglect documents published in other languages. Researchers may often find themselves confronted with documents or references to material published in a language they do not read. If the article has ever been translated, they can turn to the International Translations Centre.

ITC neither prepares nor commissions translations itself; its primary function is that of a clearinghouse for translations already in existence. The results of the Centre's activities are made available through various printed outlets and databases such as World Transindex. ITC's Information Department can be contacted for further assistance if necessary. The largest number of requests nowadays is for translation from Japanese.
Financial Management Practices in National Libraries
Authors: Stephens Andy
Published: August 2016

The Conference of Directors of National Libraries undertook during 1989 a survey of financial management practices within national libraries. The aim was to identify and document current trends and practice in: national library funding; financial management information systems; costing and pricing; cost recovery and performance measurement, in order to provide assistance to colleagues attempting to resolve financial management issues. The major source of national library resourcing remains central governments and the general picture of funding is sombre. A majority of respondents reported charging for services both to individual users and to other libraries, although the detailed findings revealed in some national libraries a financial management infrastructure that was less developed in commercial terms than this would suggest.
National Library Relations with Government, Financial and Organizational Structures
Authors: Roberts Brynley F.
Published: August 2016

National libraries, in spite of significant differences between themselves in their origins and primary functions, have in common the necessity of developing close relationships with government since they will be funded for the most part by government grant. An effective planning mechanism will be necessary to convince government of the ability of the library to use resources effectively, but there is a real danger that monitoring of progress may cross over the dividing line and become the directing of policy. If government grant requires libraries to have regard for efficient planning, government should be sensitive to library objectives.
The Role of National Libraries and the Centralized Management System in the Countries of Eastern Europe
Authors: Wołosz Jan
Published: August 2016

In Eastern Europe great importance was attached to opening libraries and organizing their activities in the early years of building a new socio-political system, as the promotion of readership was seen to be instrumental to the dissemination of communist values and attitudes. In spite of post-war economic ruin and exceptional difficulties, and some undoubtedly bad effects, this resulted in impressive library networks, dominated by national libraries. The Lenin State Library produced the richest catalogue of methods and forms for methodological activity, embracing ten major categories. The most important of these were: research; production of forecasts and programmes for the development of librarianship; and conferences, seminars, courses to discuss current issues, present and propagate leading achievements and raise librarians' qualifications. The full use of these forms of activity made it possible for national libraries in socialist countries to exert a marked influence on the organization and functioning of libraries in each country on the one hand, and on the ideological content of library activity on the other, although in some countries the latter was adopted half-heartedly. Under these conditions national libraries grew to be leading institutions of library management.
The Swiss National Library
Authors: Jauslin Jean Frédéric
Published: August 2016

This Swiss National Library, which dates from 1894, initially had the function of collecting Helvetica; later the construction of a union catalogue and the creation of a central information service were added to its responsibilities. It achieved much success, but from the 1970s reduced funds and a lack of foresight severely eroded its standing and role. Following the appointment of a new Director in 1990, a team of experts in information and technology was formed, a general review of the library's strengths and weaknesses was carried out, and an automation programme was started. A new policy has had to be defined for the role of a national library in a federal state. It is proposed that the library's responsibilities should include all kinds of information resources, and give equal attention to conversation and the provision of services, the latter particularly as an information centre for material of Swiss interest. Greatly increased funds and staff are being sought. A revision of the law relating to the National Library has been submitted to Parliament; this defines its collection policy (including legal deposit, which the library has not hitherto had) and prescribes its bibliographic services. These developments should lead to the regaining of a prominent position for the library and thence to a national coordination plan for Swiss libraries. The National Library will seek solutions for the problems posed by multilingualism. It will also look for cooperation with other national libraries in Europe.
National Bibliographies – Do They Have a Future?
Authors: Bourne Ross
Published: August 2016

National bibliographies serve a variety of functions, but act essentially as archival records of the national imprint. A number of factors may, however, alter our views of their purpose and affect our expectations of their long term future. Coverage and currency are often constrained by inadequate legal deposit mechanisms, but it may be questioned whether the national bibliography needs to include all publications or whether the national bibliographic agency (NBA) should act as a coordinator of current bibliographic data. Some NBAs have been driven to reduce the bibliographic content of their records as a result of declining income and increases in publishing output. Such measures have not met with universal approval, but appear to have resulted in improved currency. Technology continues to have an impact on the production of national bibliographies, with CD-ROMs, the UNIMARC format and, particularly, networking initiatives all facilitating greater availability of and access to bibliographic information. Networking may well render less relevant the local basis of national bibliographies, with possibilities for supranational coverage and the linking of document supply to bibliographic access. Closer cooperation with the book trade should result in the reuse of publishers' bibliographic data, rather than the NBA having to create bibliographic records from scratch. Politically, the concept of what constitutes a national grouping is evolving, with new alliances between countries as well as the disintegration of former federal states taking place. Important questions arise as to the future purpose of the national bibliography, the potential for cooperation with other producers of bibliographic data and whether the role of the national bibliography is likely to be usurped at the international level. NBAs must view these questions as an opening up of opportunities rather than as threats to their existence.
Mass Conservation of Paper: A Comparison of Methods
Authors: Stefansson Thorarinn , Christensen Kari
Published: August 2016

The rate of deterioration of printed paper has grown to a point where conventional conservation methods can no longer cope with either the volume or the cost. In response to this problem, several mass conservation methods have been developed: treatment with diethylzinc, methoxy magnesium methyl carbonate, magnesium oxide, ammonia, cyclohexylamine, and ethanolamine; polymerization by ethyl acrylate; and strengthening with cellulose. Some processes are still at the pilot stage. Methods vary in complexity, and some require very large plants. A comparison of them shows that no process meets all the ideal criteria. Disadvantages include fire or health hazards, and detrimental effects on ink or leather. Some methods deacidify the paper without reinforcing it. Treatment varies between 5 and 72 hours, and the cost ranges from 30 cents a book to $15, but the latter partly depends on the state of development of the process.
Die Deutsche Bibliothek: Germany's National Library and National Bibliographic Agency
Authors: Lehmann Klaus-Dieter
Published: August 2016

With the unification of Germany in 1990, the two former national libraries and national bibliographic agencies, the Deutsche Bücherei in Leipzig and the Deutsche Bibliothek in Frankfurt, were also united and given a single name: DIE DEUTSCHE BIBLIOTHEK. The Deutsches Musikarchiv in Berlin is also included in the new entity. The locations have remained unchanged, the collections continue to be maintained and responsibilities have been distributed in an effective manner. The new institution, whose total collections number some twelve million volumes, has made great progress in three short years. The merger of the two libraries has made it possible to tap new resources and to offer a new and expanded package of bibliographic services. In addition to important organizational, technical and financial concerns, the establishment of a foundation for a new identity has been a major point of emphasis. Through the step-by-step assumption of responsibility in specific areas, the sense of alienation that had evolved over 50 years has gradually given way to a spirit of teamwork and eagerness to learn. With its centres of strength in Leipzig and Frankfurt, DIE DEUTSCHE BIBLIOTHEK is now prepared to serve as a bridgehead between East and West.
The Importance of International Cooperation for Grey Literature Availability
Authors: Wessels R.H.A.
Published: August 2016

Solutions to the problems caused by grey literature - publications that are not available through normal bookselling channels - are increasingly sought. Print runs are often small, bibliographic control in main databases is patchy, and access is poor. SIGLE (System for Information on Grey Literature in Europe) was set up in 1978 to improve control and access in all subjects; it operates by the cooperation of national centres involved in the collection and dissemination of grey literature. When CEC support ended in 1985 these centres formed the European Association for Grey Literature Exploitation (EAGLE). Among its objectives are more comprehensive coverage (at present it is very uneven), improved subject access, and better marketing. More research is needed into some aspects, such as quality and usage. It is hoped that a major international conference held in December 1993 will achieve considerable progress.
The Koninklijke Bibliotheek: National Library of the Netherlands
Authors: Van Drimmelen Wim , Van Trier Gerard
Published: August 2016

The Koninklijke Bibliotheek (KB) had been functioning as the national library of the Netherlands for some time before it was designated as such in 1982. In 1987 the library was given more autonomy. The appointment of the present National Librarian in 1991 coincided with severe budget restrictions, which necessitated a drastic reorganization; this involved the establishment of new departments, for library automation and new technology, for library research and for policy development. Pica has developed new library automation products to meet KB's requirements, including interlibrary connections; in 1993 the transition to the new systems was completed. A strategic planning process has been initiated; difficult choices have to be made, but the main thrusts are likely to be the promotion of a single national infrastructure for access and delivery of information in printed and electronic form, maintaining a broad collection in the humanities and social sciences (cooperating especially with three other major Dutch libraries), setting up new facilities for the retrieval and desktop delivery of electronic documents, building and managing a repository for electronic material, and preserving the Dutch cultural heritage (including a coordinated microfilming programme). The KB is actively involved in several European projects.
National Libraries in Eastern Europe – A Period of Transition
Authors: Lehmann Klaus-Dieter
Published: August 2016

The present economic situation is a poor starting point for the national libraries of Eastern Europe in their efforts to cope with the future. Political censorship is replaced with economic censorship: insufficient budgets, inadequate space for books and readers, gaps in distribution systems, and increasing transport and postal rates. But libraries are an essential element in the intellectual infrastracture and cultural dialogue; and national libraries in Eastern Europe see cooperation with similar libraries in the West as a major way of achieving development. Several countries have agreed to exchange specialists, training and education programmes already exist, and lack of acquisition funds has been somewhat mitigated by book donation programmes; but more needs to be done. The European Union is an appropriate mechanism for developing an East-West programme to improve the infrastructure through the implementation of technological policy. East-West dialogue can best be structured through the Council of Europe, which has recently expanded its membership to include Eastern and Central Europe.
National Library Provision for Art in the United Kingdom: The Role of the National Art Library
Authors: van der Wateren Jan
Published: August 2016

From its beginnings in 1836 as the library of the Government School of Design, the National Art Library (NAL) in the UK was intended to have an impact on design in the country. After the Great Exhibition of 1851 it former part of what was to become known as the Victoria and Albert Museum (V & A). By the 1850s it had already adopted the title of National Art Library, although it was called the V & A Museum Library between 1908 and 1985. By 1853 collections aimed to cover the arts and trades comprehensively, and by 1869 the NAL aimed also at comprehensive access to individual objects created in the course of history. By 1852, the library was open to all, although a charge was made at first. Various forms of subject indexing have been used; from 1877 to 1895 subject lists were prepared for internal use and sold to the public, and from 1869 to 1889 a remarkable Universal catalogue of books on art was produced. The present mission statement of the NAL focuses on collecting, documenting and making available information on the history and practice of art, craft and design, and the library aims its services at both the national and international community. However, its great 19th century contribution to published subject control of art materials has been almost completely absent in the 20th century. During 1994 the NAL will contribute records to the British Library (BL) Conspectus database, though there is little formal cooperation between the two libraries. As a specialist library it can organize its collections and index them in ways that are impossible for a comprehensive library such as the BL, and it therefore has an important part to play in the national library scene.
National Collections of Printed Ephemera - Those Papers of the Day with Special Reference to the Scandinavian Model
Authors: Hesselager Lise
Published: August 2016

There is no general agreement on the definition of the term ‘printed ephemera’. For the purpose of this article it is defined as (1) material issued by corporate bodies describing the current activities of those bodies and (2) material of small size. Owing to the legal deposit legislation of Scandinavian countries, dating back to the 17th century, these countries all have two or more national collections of ephemera. A distinction is made between ‘printed ephemera’ and ‘grey literature’, which is of recent date, and which developed as a result of modern society's need for speedy communication and developments in reprography. A half-library, half-archival system is appropriate for dealing with ephemera. The library tradition of splitting up material into subject groups may be combined with the archival system of arranging material according to provenance. Archival finding aids such as subject guides and indices and archival methods of collective description are appropriate as a general principle, but this should not exclude bibliographic records when such records are needed.
A Special Case? Preserving and Funding Heritage Collections in Research Libraries: The British Example
Authors: Bloomfield Barry
Published: August 2016

‘Heritage’ material is dispersed among many UK libraries and archives, and arrangements for safeguarding it are not working satisfactorily. Main causes of difficulty appear to be shortage of good management and advice; shortages of money, which have led many libraries to sell ‘heritage’ material; the speed with which problems multiply; and the speed necessary for action to be taken to save material before sale or dispersion. Machinery is needed to help to identify ‘heritage’ material in institutions of various kinds and specific material in danger or under threat of dispersal. Several bodies exist that can provide advice and financial assistance to libraries in difficulties, but there are serious gaps. An official statement of guidance and advice to all institutions should be drawn up. The problems discussed are unlikely to be confined to the UK.
The Science Reading Rooms of the British Library: The User Community and Patterns of Use
Authors: Reid Andrea , Leigh Beryl
Published: August 2016

When the British Library in London moves into its new building at St Pancras the reference collections for science, business and patents in the Science Reference and Information Service (SRIS), at present housed in three locations, will be united in a single reading room complex. Much information of value for planning future services and arrangement of stock has been obtained over the years by surveys of users and usage, most recently at the end of 1993. A variety of survey methods was employed. The largest category of users consists of students, whose proportion rose from 28% in 1983 to 40% in 1993, while the patent community fell proportionately from 23% to 13% over the same period. Nearly all users were based in the UK, 92% of them in London and the South-East; but 22% were carrying out work for clients, 38% of whom were based in London, 26% in the rest of the UK and 36% abroad. Patent searchers spent nearly twice as much time in the reading rooms as other readers. English language periodicals received most use (used by 44% of users), but monographs (34%) and foreign language periodicals (7%) also received substantial use. The average user consulted 24 items per visit, and the average number of enquiries per day was 561. These and other findings are being used in planning aspects such as reader admissions procedures, arrangement of open access stock and staffing rotas, to ensure that the SRIS reading rooms in the new building will fulfil the needs of users.
Re-Engineering as a Change Agent at the National Library of Canada
Authors: McKeen Liz , Parent Ingrid
Published: August 2016

Business process re-engineering (or re-engineering) involves a rethinking of the processes, operations and structure of an organization in order to achieve dramatic improvements in its outputs. Over the past four years the National Library of Canada has been engaged in an in-depth review of several of its activities using re-engineering. Three projects have been undertaken, involving the Serials Record Section, the document delivery of items in the library's collections, and bibliographic access (including cataloguing and related activities). The last was carried out over the summer of 1993, and as a result four working groups were set up, each dealing with the following prime recommendations: strengthening the focus on users; simplifying cataloguing priorities and reducing cataloguing levels; reorganizing the cataloguing operation to reflect an integrated approach: and streamlining the current partially contracted out CIP programme. A reorganized bibliographic access function took effect on March 1, 1995, incorporating a new approach to management and demonstrating greater involvement in decision making by staff at all levels. Essential elements for successful re-engineering include senior management commitment, selection of knowledgeable and representative team members, the use of technology as a means not an end, and regular communication channels.