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IFLA Journal
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Contents
IFLA NewsFrom the IFLA Secretariat
From the Divisions, Sections and Round Tables
Reports of Meetings
From other Organizations
From Patron Sponsors
Publications of International RelevanceMiscellaneousInternational CalendarAbstract SheetLibraries and Information for Human DevelopmentLone Dybkyaer.AbstractWithin the framework of the theme of the 1997 IFLA Conference, "Libraries for Human Development", the author explores the opportunities offered by new information technologies. A successful solution depends on how the new opportunities offered by information technology to create an open democracy are exploited. Technology should not be left to an elite group. Development must build on the values and principles on which our society is based. After a brief survey of the Danish government's first general proposal on the future of information, which directly involves the library system in the development programme, the author concludes with a list of information technology issues which libraries must address. These include a determined effort to include those groups which have not traditionally been using information services; improved methods of communication and high-speed data transmission; security issues; the free and rapid flow of a country's data nationally and internationally; the development of a multilingual programme for automatic translation; the issue of Internet censorship; and the considerable process of readjustment for library personnel.Reaffirming Professional ValuesWedgeworth, Robert.AbstractIn his presidential address to the 63rd IFLA Council and General Conference, the author reviews activities undertaken by IFLA since 1992: the IFLA sponsors programme; strengthening of the exhibition programme within IFLA Conferences; the development of IFLANET; and membership development. He then surveys challenges to be faced by IFLA in the coming decade: ensuring a balance between the technical development of libraries and the professional development of librarians with the importance of remaining focused on the needs of library users; legal barriers and political pressures; copyright and intellectual property laws; the necessity to ensure reasonable access to protected works for purposes of education and research; the growing gap between privileged users of the Internet and those who cannot access it. The author stresses that librarians must reaffirm their professional values becoming effective advocates for the needs and interests of library users.The Impact of Electronic Publishing on the Scientific Information ChainElliott, Sir Roger.AbstractThe academic enterprise depends on the effective dissemination of information at all levels. These requirements are accentuated in the scientific research community where authors and users are the same group. In order to be effective, the scientific information chain has always needed intermediaries - author, publisher, agent, librarian and user, but these roles are changing and there is no doubt that the scientific information chain is in crisis. The system must be modified and electronic publishing provides a possible answer. The author reports on the ICSU/UNESCO Conference of Experts on "Electronic Publishing in Science", held in Paris in February 1996, which approved a series of recommendations. The author identifies costs and benefits, and stresses that models for the use of electronically stored journals must be developed. Of particular concern to librarians are maintaining a proper archive of electronic material, and the legislative framework and how electronic publications will fit into international regulatory regimes. The recommendations from the ICSU/UNESCO Conference are included as an annex.Gateways to Freedom: Libraries and the Next MillenniumOwen, Ursula.AbstractThe Index on Censorship, founded in the conviction that freedom of speech, along with the allied freedoms of conscience and religion, are fundamental human rights that the world community has a duty to guard, reports regularly on censorship in every issue of the magazine. After a brief survey of classic censorship, the author points out that the concentration of ownership in the media has affected the extent to which minorities are heard. For any concept of human rights to be universally accepted and globally enforced, equal respect and mutual comprehension between rival cultures is demanded. Hate speech, political correctness and the dangers of making exceptions to the absolute right to free speech are covered. The author concludes with the role the library has in supporting and disseminating the importance of free expression. Libraries can be places where 1) dialogue takes place; 2) the diversity of cultural lives is displayed; 3) the right to choose is pre-eminent; 4) people can be guided through information which some might find offensive; and 5) freedom of expression is taught and people are encouraged to know their own rights.A Library for Community Development in SoshanguveSibanyoni, Esther.AbstractThe author reports on the work she has done and for which she earned the Woman of the Year '97 Award in South Africa. Recognizing the need for a public library, and working during the state of emergency in South Africa, the author and concerned residents of Soshanguve opened a small library which functioned under the auspices of the town council. Other projects described are the Arts for All Centre, set up to provide youths with an opportunity for self-development; and the Care of the Aged project, under which 13 clubs for the aged have been established.The Inclusion of Library Services to Disadvantaged Persons in Library School Curricula: A SurveyGaller, Anne M.AbstractThose without sight defects tend to put the "blind" or "visually-handicapped" into one category but the needs of these different The article defines the term "disadvantaged", and describes the various steps taken by the IFLA Section of Libraries Serving Disadvantaged Persons since 1993, when a joint workshop was held during the Barcelona Conference to address the need to sensitize library school students, members of library and information science associations, and professionals in the field to the needs of the disadvantaged. One of the outcomes was the international survey of library schools undertaken by the author under an IFLA grant to investigate library school curricula around the world to find out how the question of serving the disadvantaged is handled. Analysis of the results received are also addressed in the article, summed up by the author's recommendations on how to try and remedy the lack of awareness of the needs of the handicapped within the library and information science profession.Review of the Management Literature 1996Herrera, Luis A. and Ricardo Rodriguez Pereyra.AbstractThis review identifies fields within the large body of management literature which deal with trends and views of management science, taking into consideration the newest concepts and technologies which are currently developing. Those subjects which can be applied directly to the management of library and information services are discussed in detail. The review is an initiative of the IFLA Section on Management and Marketing.
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| Latest Revision: November 2, 1998 |
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