Recognizing that the Netherlands is a multicultural society and prisoners from other cultures are especially isolated, the Dutch prison library service attempts to provide materials in different languages. A network of centers of support responsible for specific languages and a computerized catalog help prison libraries serve varied prisoner…

This paper briefly outlines the aims and functions of national libraries, particularly in the preservation of old and rare material; the losses of Poland's National Library during World War II; the work of Poland's Center for the Protection of Old Books; the publication of a Polish national union catalog of old and rare items, including…

Scandinavian library cooperation, which began informally in the nineteenth century, has benefited from similarities in language, history, background, political system, ideals, and materials, and has been comparatively easy to establish. The Scandia Plan, launched in the 1950's, was the first Scandinavian library cooperation program to receive…

This paper analyzes the issues and problems while looking at the trends and developments of serials publishing in Malaysia. The first section provides background; topics addressed include the country and people of Malaysia, the history of serials publishing in Malaysia, categories and formats of serials publishing, academic publications,…

This set of papers delivered to the Bibliographic Control Division of the International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) during its 47th annual conference (1981) includes: "Cataloging in Publication in the United States--Problems and Prospects," by Susan H. Vita; "Development and Coordination of Bibliographic Activities:…

Examines physical deterioration of library collections as result of acidic content of books published since mid-nineteenth century. Dimensions of problem, solutions being developed by libraries, and professional challenges posed by preservation (collection management, organizational structures, technical processes, educational programs) are…

Describes the history and problems of mobile library programs in Africa based on a review of pertinent literature. Highlights include characteristics of African nations with mobile libraries; lack of funding and suitable materials; two examples of successful programs; and future possibilities, including the need for cooperation. (Author/LRW)

Based on its statutory duty to provide comprehensive holdings of library material relating to Australia and the Australian people, the National Library of Australia outlines in this selection policy the directions in which its collections are to be developed. Following a policy summary and an extensive history of the National Library's…

Drawing on a current study, funded by the British Library Research and Innovation Centre, the context of higher education libraries is discussed, including funding and costs and recent major official reports on education and libraries. Future trends and imperatives are outlined. Models of library purchasing consortia are presented. The operation…

Shared knowledge, while not a new concept, is receiving new emphasis in a global society. National and other research libraries can fruitfully collaborate to maximize the public value of their materials. The partnership of the British Library with the Harry Ransom Center (University of Texas at Austin) is one example of this. (Author)

Papers on national libraries which were presented at the 1986 International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) conference include: (1) "Dangers for the Modern Information Society in the Computer Age" (Franz Georg Kaltwasser, West Germany); (2) "Functions and Objectives of the National Libraries in the Developing…

Describes participation by Sri Lanka in the HELLIS (Health Literature, Library and Information Services) Network, which links libraries for sharing health information resources at the national and regional levels. Highlights include establishment of the program; background, scope, function, and resources of participating libraries; and current…

Focuses on the origins of the reasons for the scarcity of books in law libraries and the legal profession in Nigeria. Publishing books locally with government assistance is advocated as a lasting solution, and cooperation and resource sharing among libraries is encouraged. (Contains 26 references.) (EAM)

Describes resource sharing among Japanese university libraries, including interlending policies, provision of services to external users, the government role, and the national Scientific Information System network. Statistics on library holdings, annual acquisition levels, and expenditures are provided. (15 references) (CLB)

Examines what Australian university libraries can and cannot do for independent scholars, scholars with no formal university affiliation. Argues that university libraries are not able to accept acquisition proposals from independent scholars because of shrinking acquisitions budgets and cites acquisition cooperation, especially of electronic…