This was the topic of a workshop held at the UNCC
Various topics were discussed to share technologies, innovations and the way forward for the depository libraries to transform themselves into partner libraries. Resource persons from DHL discussed the future of the internal communications strategy (iSeek), StratCom, UN goals and priorities and the role of the depository libraries, Web search, UN documentation. A highlight was a visit to the National Library of Thailand.
A special display area in the Library is now populated with flagship publications produced by UN agencies. FLAGSHIP publications are the outstanding and major outputs in publication format. These normally represent the broad perspective of an issue as it affects a large majority of the world's population, and offer an in-depth examination, perceptions and outlook of various analysts and experts in their respective fields; or are viewed as the authoritative source of various data.
For UN agencies that wish to display their print copies, kindly send four copies (two for display, two for integration into the library collection) to any of the reference assistants at the UNESCAP Library.
The Library also prepares an up to date list of flagship publications in electronic format (URLs). This list is sent to various information centres in the region. (Click here for the latest issue). If you wish to receive the list regularly, or to call to our attention the inclusion of your latest flagship publication, please contact chanchumras@un.org
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UNESCAP Library staffers Fred and Khun Chi met with Khun Suchai Kosaisaevee and Khun Duangurai Sukhvichai. UNFPA has taken the first step, to weed out their collection and have narrowed down to about 3000 documents, dated from about 2000 to the present. They agree that these could be integrated into the collection and database, using the same platform CDS/ISIS. They are prepared to deliver this set by the end of September. In the meantime space has been allocated to store these. As was agreed earlier, student help has been sought to assist in the broad categorization of these collections. Khun Chi will help in the allocating of duties and jobs.
Ms. Mehriban Sarifova, of United Nations Inter-Agency Project on Human Trafficking in the Greater Mekong Sub-region (UNIAP), donated their collection of materials to the UNESCAP Library, after weeding out older copies and duplicates. These are now being catalogued and classified by student-trainees.
Angus Miller, the Common Services Coordinator, held an initial meeting to forward the establishment of the One UN Library. He underscored the mandate originating from the OMT Action Plan for 2007-2008. The lead library, UNESCAP Library was viewed as the obvious site for the merger due to its size and restricted access to the public. Steps to move forward were discussed particularly that the four agencies need to weed their existing collections. ESCAP has access to an off-site storage space which is a commercial rental space. Paul Thomson may be contacted for details of this storage space located at Bang-Na. Circulation rules, access rights to books and expanding their respective collections, and that no costs would be incurred were also discussed.
The issue of online information databases and resources was also discussed, in view of the migration from hard copies to soft copies. As most of the UN agencies are part of UNSEIAC, the UN System Electronic Information Acquisition Consortium, some decisions regarding access and license agreements will be further discussed.
The advantages of a common One UN Library were discussed and how all the agencies could benefit from this cooperative venture: space savings, and more efficient access by specialized and general users. Dissemination through displays and monthly themes were also covered.
