After the project ends, in October 1997, it is envisaged that the software developed will be available for purchase by interested parties. Whilst systems are being developed in isolation effectiveness is lost due to barriers caused by different systems not being able to talk to each other. Without effective ECMS, the potential of electronically stored information to increase access will not be fully realised. A major part of the work of the IFLA UAP Programme in the project is the organisation of a series of special interest group meetings and workshops throughout Europe. So far Special Interest Group Meetings have been held in London, Barcelona and Florence.
Discussion are under way concerning a proposed joint venture in Denmark.
There will be an International Electronic Copyright Management Systems conference in London at the end of 1997 which will deal with all aspect of ECMS development. This is being planned for Budapest in October. Although this Project is now over interest in it lives on. Conferences and meetings Conferences Participation in conferences of different kinds is still seen as a major part of the UAP work. Conference planning Considerable effort was devoted during the year to organising the conference on the Role of Libraries in Economic Growth to be held in Ljubljana in April 1997 and the 5th.