The focus of this Call Topic is on how libraries develop value-added services through exploiting their role as skilled intermediaries for organising and retrieving networked information resources. Effective discovery of resources relies on the availability of consistent high-quality information and services. Though there has been a rapid increase in the discovery services available and in the software tools on which they are based, the organisational frameworks needed to support sustainable services are not keeping pace with the technology. There is a need to develop experimental services, testing appropriate descriptive and indexing methods, and to test different models for collaborating with resource providers. Libraries might also set up local discovery services based on specialised domain knowledge.
Libraries can also add value to the search and retrieval process.
Alternatively, the mediation can be through human intervention, supported by techniques such as mirroring the users' searches or by interactive dialogue. The mediation services should be available to users over the network as well as those physically present in the library. There is scope here for cross-sector projects with the Telematics for Research sector of the Telematics Applications Programme, but with the emphasis on the library's role, contribution and services. There is a steady increase in the variety and number of networked information services, which are external to the resources held in libraries. Appropriate organisational frameworks for the collection and maintenance of data are needed to support effective resource description and discovery.