IN THIS DOCUMENT:

Istanbul Meeting

Round Table on Newspapers

Annual Report 1994-1995

Robert B. Harriman (US Newspaper Program, Library of Congress, Serial Record Division, Washington DC 20540, USA (fax: +(1-202) 7076333; e-mail: rhar@loc.gov)) was re-elected Chair of the Round Table on Newspapers. Geoff Smith (Office of the Head of Newspaper Library, British Library, Colindale Avenue, London NW9 5HE, UK (fax: +(44-171) 4127386; e-mail: geoff.smith@bl.uk)) was elected Secretary, succeeding Geoffrey Hamilton (UK).

The annual report and minutes of meetings were not received.

Istanbul Meeting

The Round Table contributed to the open session organized by the Division of Collections and Services with the paper by Geoff Smith.

Access to Newspaper Collections and Content in a Time of Change
by GEOFF SMITH

Abstract:
This paper reviews the strengths and weaknesses of traditional methods of newspaper access based on the use of original hard-copy newspapers, microfilms and press-cuttings. It looks at the benefits and problems of computerized approaches to newspaper access such as online information retrieval systems, CD-ROM, digitization, developments in electronic archiving from newspaper production systems, and the use of Internet. It sees improved access being available to current and recent material created in electronic form as part of the newspaper production process, but slower progress likely in electronic access to other types of newspaper material, for which the continuation of traditional forms of collection, preservation, and access will remain important.