Moreover, it assumes that libraries cannot keep aloof from all the other networked information activities which are emerging in parallel to the traditional publishing chain and are having an impact on scholarly communication. New alliances mean new dialogues, new synergies and new ways of working together. These technical problems are very diverse and range for instance from authentication and preservation of electronic documents to authorisation, cost recovery and economic models, from standard formats to open architectures. The programme should provide the opportunities to experiment in service environments and thus prepare for future usage. Programme are more suitable contexts.
Publishing is an international business and networks have made information ubiquitous.
Even in serving their local users, libraries have to network to provide access to that ubiquitous information. Electronic information is precisely that which will break down the illusion of self-sufficiency. Librarians and publishers have jointly to find new solutions, new platforms for synergies and a common vision for the future. The work that we have started upon is for everyone, and the contributions from all countries are valuable. That is the European dimension.