Search results

Describes some of the information retrieval issues faced by Arab libraries with bilingual (Arabic/English), biscript (Arabic/Latin) catalogues. Reviews earlier published work on multiscript bibliographic databases before focusing on controlled name and subject access points, including suggestions for how best to serve the information needs of a group of end‐users who are predominantly native Arabic‐speakers.

This overview of document supply in the Middle East divides the countries of the region into four groups: GCC states; Iran and Iraq; Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria and Turkey; and finally, Israel. This grouping is based on the varying economic conditions amongst the members of each, both historically and in terms of their diversification. The conclusion reached is that, whilst economic conditions are important in influencing the ability to pay for document supply services, they are more importantly a deciding factor in determining the perception of their usefulness. This perception in turn influences a society’s willingness to incorporate document supply within its policies and plans on research information access and infrastructure.

The need for university libraries to adapt their services to the different demands imposed by distance learning is explored in the context of the increasing importance of this method of course delivery to the higher education sector, particularly in the UK. A number of questions are raised, including: What is meant by the term “remote user”? Who should pay for document delivery? Is there a convenient way to uphold the principle of library privilege? What effect may distance learners’ previous educational experience have on demand for their information services?

The purpose of this paper is to explore some of the issues surrounding the future of microfilm in a digital age with particular reference to historical archive materials.

Based on personal experience of the microform publishing market and from a paper presented at the National Preservation Office’s annual conference, 2007, Second life for collections.

Sales figures from Japan for microform publications show a decline of 60 per cent over the last ten years. Recent demand falls in the niche market of print‐on‐demand microfilms and archival collections requested by academic institutions.

Discusses the pros and cons of preservation methods for archival material in various formats, i.e. digital, and the role of microfilm in archival publishing. Explores current issues of copyright, pricing policies and the long‐term future for microfilm use within research and archival collections.

A personal view from a publisher of academic microform, which assesses the current situation and poses questions for the future survival, use and preservation of microfilmed information.