IFLA Universal Dataflow and Telecommunications Core Programme

Archive - Historical Material

Programme Plan for 1994

Introduction

The UDT Programme Plan for 1994 continues to follow the goals and objectives set out in the 1992-1997 Medium-Term Plan and IFLA's Long-Term Policy. The UDT Core Programme remains the focal point for the promotion of the international and national exchange of electronic data and works to provide the library community with pragmatic approaches to electronic resource sharing.

Programme activities for 1993 included providing IFLA Headquarters (IFLA HQ) with a technical proposal which addressed the use the services available on the Internet to support IFLA administrative and organizational communications. This cooperative effort to establish electronic communications for IFLA members involving IFLA Headquarters, the Koninklijke Bibliothek and the UDT Core Programme will continue in 1994.
In light of IFLA's renewed organizational structure, dialogue and cooperation with the other IFLA sections, divisions, round tables and core programmes is a high priority for the UDT programme in 1994. Emphasis will also be placed on examining the applications for information technologies in less technologically developed nations.

IFLA HQ and Electronic Communications

In 1993, the UDT Core Programme prepared a proposal that outlined the options available to IFLA HQ to enhance communications and information exchange among its membership by using the services of the Internet. The Internet is a "metanetwork" which links thousands of computer networks world wide and provides basic services such as electronic mail, remote login and file transfer. IFLA HQ is currently working with the Koninklijke Bibliothek in The Hague to implement various components of the proposal which includes the installation of a Local Area Network in the IFLA HQ offices.

In 1994, the UDT Core Programme will continue to provide IFLA HQ with information and technical advice on how to apply the services available over the Internet to IFLA operations. Plans include establishing an IFLA information server which would provide electronic access to IFLA publications and the establishing of electronic discussion lists on a number of topics. As the number of computers connected to the Internet continues to increase, it holds enormous potential as an communications vehicle for IFLA members and the international library community.

Networked Information Resource Discovery Study

The UDT Core Programme plans to carry out, in conjunction with the National Library of Canada, a study to investigate the various "resource discovery" tools that can be used to facilitate access to the wealth of networked information resources currently available globally on the Internet. As the amount of information available on the Internet has increased dramatically over the past few years, it has become difficult for users to navigate the Internet to locate relevant information. A number of publicly available software tools are being developed to address this problem.

The study will investigate the nature and use of these state-of -art tools such as Wide-Area Information Services (WAIS), Archie and Gopher, among others and how they can be used to facilitate access to networked information sources. As providing access to information is a vital component of a library services, it is essential that librarians are be understand these tools and their applications. The final report for this study will be made available to the international library community as Report #6 in the UDT Series on Data Communication Technologies and Standards for Libraries.

When completed, the results of this study will be used to provide IFLA HQ with pragmatic approaches to the development of electronic communication services for IFLA members and the international library community as discussed in the preceding section of this plan.

Packet Radio Technology

In 1991/92, the UDT Core Programme conducted a study on the nature and current developments in packet radio technology with a view to how libraries could use this technology to provide library services in areas which the telecommunications infrastructure present in much of North America and Europe. The study also included a review of availability of packet radio networks in developing countries.

As the study indicated the broad applicability of this technology for libraries, the UDT Core Programme continues to seek partners interested in participating in a pilot project using packet radio technology to support library operations in less technologically developed areas.

Publications

UDT Newsletter
Three issues of the UDT Newsletter will be published in 1993 in English, French and Spanish. The "Update" section of the newsletter will continue to report on the activities and projects of the UDT programme. The activities of ISO TC46/SC 4/WG 4, International Forum on Open Bibliographic Systems (IFOBS), The Group Electronic Document Delivery (GEDI) and the activities of DGXII of the Commission of the European Communities will also be reported from time to time. The "Focus" section will continue to contain tutorial articles on various aspects of information and data communications technologies. Efforts will also made to increase the distribution of the Spanish version of the newsletter which is translated by the Biblioteca Nacional of Spain.
The UDT Core Programme will also investigate the possibility of the making the UDT Newsletter available electronically over the Internet.
UDT Series on Data Communication Technologies and Standards for Libraries.
Five reports in the UDT Series on Data Communication Technologies and Standards for Libraries are distributed by the International Office for UDT. As interest in these publications continues to be strong, we will continue to print additional copies of the reports and distribute them as required. Efforts to promote the market the publications through in library and information technology related publications and at conferences will continue.
Research Networks and Libraries: Applications and Issues for a Global Information Network (Report #1).
Electronic Document Delivery: Converging Standards and Technologies (Report #2)
OSI for Libraries: From Standards to Services (Report #3)
Electronic Data Interchange: an Overview of EDI Standards for Libraries (Report #4)
Packet Radio: Applications for Libraries in Developing Countries (Report #5)
Report #6 in the series will be published in 1994. It will be contain the results of the Networked Information Resource Discovery Tool Study.

Workshops/Conferences

Internet Applications for Libraries in Developing Countries - 1/2 Day Workshop - Havana, Cuba - 1994
The UDT Programme is proposing a half-day workshop focusing on Internet applications for libraries in developing countries to take place during the 1994 IFLA Annual Conference in Havana, Cuba. Specific topics would include services available over the Internet, facilitating access to networked information resources, changes in scholarly publishing and training and education for librarians.
During the Barcelona conference, the UDT Core Programme will investigate the possibility of co-sponsoring this pre-conference seminar with various IFLA groups. Possible co-sponsors include the Section on Information Technology, the Section on Interlending and Document Delivery and the Section on Regional Activities: Latin America and the Caribbean.
International Conference on National Bibliographic Services - 1997.
The UDT Core Programme has been asked to consider participation in an International Conference on National Bibliographies to take place in 1997. The conference is intended to focus not only on national bibliographies, but also on the information technologies that can be used to provide access to these bibliographies. While the conference is currently in a preliminary organizing phase, the UDT Core Programme will offer to coordinate a session which discusses the various standards and information technologies that can be used to enhance electronic access to national bibliographic databases.

Latest Revision: February 6, 1995