Evolution of libraries in developing countries in the international information space

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Evolution of libraries in developing countries in the international information space

international digital library

The active development of digital library nets as well as corporations and associations based on them is the most important tendency in the modern world library community. Foreign libraries are demonstrating ways of administration of new forms of library cooperation both on the national and international levels. The development of international library and information cooperation is the objective law that reflects the main characteristics of the modern socio-economic progress in the world: integration, international specialization and international cooperation [1].

The development and intensive spread of information and telecommunication technologies in the context of extensive informatization of the society are the key features of its progress. This process is more evident and active in the developed countries where the high level of the informatization and technological effectiveness as well as the effective legal provision of the civil society creates favorable conditions for the coming era of information society. However, in the developing countries due to poor development of the above mentioned factors these processes are slow. Nevertheless, the results of the informatization are advancing day by day. This is largely due to the rapid breakthrough of the Internet in these countries as well as to computer market saturation and the actual occurrence of the computer technologies and telecommunications in daily library practice.

The 1980-1990s witnessed large-scale economic political social processes of the enormous transforming power. Those processes influenced the world economy and its qualitative characteristics. The most important problem of the increasingly interdependent world is the interaction of multilevel structures characterized not only by the degree of their development but also by the degree of their involvement in the international division of labor and world economy. The sign of the times is integration and general integration of capitals manufactures and labor. The feature of this process is that having emerged initially in Europe it has covered new countries and even regions.

International division of labor, international expertise and cooperation are inseparable and causing each other social phenomena with complex and contradictory nature. International division of labor is a broader economic category compared to the international co-operation. In its turn international cooperation is based on specialization of production. International cooperation and international specialization are not just forms of international division of labor but also its elements defining its essence. This statement does not contradict the dialectical principle of the relationship of essence and form. Dialectic relationship of division specialization and cooperation of labor appears in their interdependence [7].

Global international cooperation has been reflected in the activities of the UN. In the modern world it is the biggest most universal and most authoritative organization, designed to deal with the major political issues that worry humankind. The political activities of the UN are inextricably linked to economic and social objectives directly related to world politics.

The UN Charter presupposes the creation of specialized agencies, one of which is the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).This organization has been in operation since 1946 and has headquarters in Paris. 160 countries of the world are members of the organization. Its main tasks are based on its name - UNESCO and include development of international cooperation in education, science and culture. The Declaration on Fundamental Principles concerning the Contribution of the Mass Media to Strengthening Peace and International Understanding adopted in 1978 is of crucial importance to UNESCO. A lot of scientific cooperation programs operate within this organization. Improvement of international political relations in a constructive direction influences the activity of UNESCO and reduction of defense budgets of countries leads to a gradual increase in financial resources of various organizations of UNESCO [4].

The active entry into the world civilization, international information and cultural exchange, promotion of national culture and language, the desire to strengthen the prestige of the library profession predetermined the directions of interlibrary cooperation in developing countries. Integration processes in the field of Library and Information Sciences have their peculiarities based on the desire to promote the historical, cultural traditions and relations as well as the interaction of national cultures and preservation of books as a source of knowledge, education, culture and intellectual development. Libraries in developing countries are characterized by convergence in the development of advanced information technologies and databases as well as in exchange of information for the development of science, technology, economy, and industry [6].

The extension of international cooperation in the field of library and information sciences is one of the factors of successful entry of library and information resource in the world system. The modern practice of libraries and information centers shows that there are growing trends in the development of such international cooperation. Economic and social trends also belong to the main trends of development in the international library and information environment, but this paper covers only the basic professional moments.

The important point is the objective need for the development of digital libraries and Automated Library and Information Systems (ALIS), which are characterized by the need to increase the requirements as well as by the need for strict compliance with international standards and regulations.

It is important to consider these trends to libraries and their administration, as well as to developers of automated library systems and technology. We should know the fundamentals and basic principles focused on practical applications in digital libraries and, therefore, underlying the development of advanced ALIS and networks that are essential for the development of computer-library infrastructure of any country. Thus, to accelerate the development of international information and library cooperation it is important to consider such basic principles for developing ALISs as:

The principle of corporatism implying the necessity of corporatism and distribution of the created and developed library and information resources under the conditions of automation. Corporatism as a trend has generated the «corporatism» as one of the basic principles for the development of ALIS and networks.

The principle of network integration, implying the need for network integration and building a unified technology of information resource updating and maintenance of local and remote users connecting two levels for each object in ALIS: local and global information networks [10].

The principle of network integration is closely linked with the principle of corporatism and it derives from the current state of the development of information technology and telecommunications. It includes the development of hardware and software and technological support for ALIS by means of local computer networks associated with the telecommunications technology of access to resources of other ALISs and providing access to own library and information resource. A single two - level network technology involves the use of a common information base, common copies of the database, single generation of information products, simultaneous use of LAN workstations as intelligent terminals to telnet resources of other ALISs. Telnet systems, construction of telecommunication technologies of information exchange, development of own servers and technologies of connection to global networks give the opportunity to develop a new level of ALIS resources network integration. Its characteristic features are e-mail as an indispensable tool of interlibrary cooperation, online systems for access to foreign and domestic informational resources and representation of their own resources on the Internet [9].

Many traditionally existing technologies are inconceivable without these technologies today: interlibrary loan (ILL) and document delivery, formation and use of resources of union catalogs, building systems of collection coordination as well as the near future technologies: corporate cataloging, creation of electronic libraries and of the system for the International Library and Information Cooperation. Design and development of ALIS and networks is carried out as mentioned earlier with a focus on inter-library cooperation and collaboration in accordance with the rules and protocols of international information exchange [10].

The principle of international library cooperation is essential in today's information and library space. Modern libraries in the world information space develop as public information centers implementing new opportunities in expanding cooperation in library science to address the global mission of libraries: improving access to information resources of the society.

Cooperation is the way to survive for libraries as full-fledged information centers. In recent years, several areas in the organization of cooperative structures as well as several types of programs or projects aimed at the introduction of cooperative methods in librarianship have appeared. These directions are derived primarily from the specific classification of libraries. For many years intra-and inter-species cooperation have been successfully developing laying the foundation of modern cooperatives. At the same time a prerequisite for effective and consistent library acquisition for a group of libraries is the developed system of reference and information services.

Programs for the Information Services development designed at the local, regional and national levels are considered to be independent. Any models of cooperation in the formation of information funds should contribute to solving the basic problem of library, i.e. providing users with increasing amount of information and improving access to it. The basis for the classification of programs and projects of cooperation are different approaches to achieving the objectives of reference and information services and their improvement. Based on this several types of programs of cooperation in library services, which set the following objectives, are distinguished:

- to increase the accessibility of scientific information across the country or region;

- to reduce costs for acquisition of library funds via distribution and retention specific subject areas of acquisition for each library;

to improve the organization of access to information through clarifying the scope of existing information resources and their identification as well as the development of communication systems in the network;

- to reduce costs of funds for the maintenance of libraries through cooperation in matters of collection, storage, preservation of information materials, etc. [2].

The most developed in the 90s of the previous century telecommunication corporate library networks in the U.S. are OCLC (Online Computer Library Center), RLIN (Research Library Information Network), WLN (Western Library Network), ISM (Canadian Network) and dozens of other networks such as the Research Libraries Network, headed by the Public Library in New York (NY Public Library) or public libraries network headed by Mid Manhatten Public Library (MMPL), which included about 84 libraries. The basis of their functioning is the principle of centralized processing and sharing of electronic catalogs and databases of all participating in the network libraries [1].

Corporatism becomes an inevitable mechanism of library automation and interlibrary cooperation. Previously, corporatism was understood as the joint participation of libraries in the information-reference systems, e.g. union catalogs. At the present level of development of interlibrary cooperation a number of levels of corporatism are identified. Union catalogs refer to the 1st level of corporatism i.e. a joint formation by the libraries fund-holders of address-reference information about the location of the documents of the distributed library fund of the organizations - participants of the system. Corporate product at this level is the bibliographic description supplemented by classification symbols and codes (siglas) of fund holders. Corporatism systems of level 2 are corporatism cataloging systems that are developed abroad, such as OCLC, RLIN, PICA, and some others.

The development of such systems is determined by the financial mechanism. Now new systems of the third level combining not only cataloging and reference data but also other corporate technologies such as electronic delivery of documents, corporate acquisitions, etc. keep appearing. Experts predict that this trend will grow in the future; it will be a defining trend in the development of library and information systems as well as in technology and LIS design [2].

International library relations as a form of scientific and cultural relations are an important factor for the interchange of cultural values in the rapid replenishment of library funds with relevant foreign literature and information on traditional and electronic media.

International relations of the national libraries include such forms of international relations of libraries as: identification and registration of national publications on all kinds of media all over the world; depository storing of documents of the UN, UNESCO and other international organizations; centralized acquisition of the state libraries with foreign literature in the database through foreign subscriptions, international book exchange, cataloging and organization of electronic catalogs; creation and support of the functioning of the National Center for international interlibrary loan system; a presentation of the state in international library organizations and associations, coordination of the participation of state libraries in the international library and information programs; organization of exchange of information resources with foreign libraries [4].

In the process of improving of international cooperation new forms and methods of this activity are developed, among which are as follows:

- establishing relationships and information links with the diplomatic corps (the embassies) abroad;

- cooperation with the UN office in the state, the National Commission in UNESCOaffairs, the Information Service of the U.S. Embassy, British Council, French Cultural Center, etc.;

- establishing contacts and cooperation with foreign firms to acquire the equipment of modern information technologies;

- cooperation with international library associations of IFLA, etc.;

- cooperation with international funds and programs: The Eurasia Foun-dation, Council for International Research and Exchanges Board (IREX), and others;

- scientific cooperation with major foreign libraries;

- education abroad;

participation in international conferences, etc. [1, 4].

The main means of implementing these links are: sharing databases via the Internet and the creation of an international school to improve skills of library staff.

In many countries the problems of international information and library co-operation are considered; the ways to achieve the necessary coordination among the increasingly complex information systems, which, along with libraries of different types, include many commercial organizations, are studied or reviewed. The Library and Information Commission (LIC), a nonprofit public organization which is a center for collecting best practices in library and information sphere for England and Northern Ireland, produced interesting conclusions that can be extended to other countries, including developing ones [11].

The Commission consists of several committees, one of which - the International Committee which makes recommendations on matters relating to the impact of policies of the European Communities to the library sector of the UK, as well as monitors and consults on issues of information policy in other countries, especially members of the «Group of eight» (G-8). This Standing Committee also directs the work of the UK

National Centre for the Program of the European Community. The connection of the Commission with the European institutions is the basis for harmonization and alignment of national policies with the European one, while its links with non-European organizations provide an opportunity to share experiences and to understand the problems globally. The LIC is committed to disseminate information on its activities as widely as possible - at conferences, seminars, online and through publications.

The LIC document, the statement «2020 Vision», is of interest. It sets out the views on the importance of library and information work.

The main points of this document:

- connectivity - providing universal access to the products of human genius;

- content - creating a digital library that reflects the intellectual heritage of Great Britain and technological discoveries;

- competency - providing both individuals and organizations with the ability to perform fully their mission in a learning and information society [4].

Improving the quality of libraries and information centers can have a positive impacton the surrounding world, helping to create a society in 2020, in which:

- governments, private companies and individuals are aware of the paramount importance of information;

- industry and trade would further endeavor to carry out intensive assimilation of knowledge;

- a network of information centers will be created - centers of knowledge that will enable citizens to develop their abilities through the acquisition of knowledge and increase their potential both individually and collectively;

- Libraries will form a digital (electronic) collection, co-ordinated both nationally and internationally. In this collection the intellectual heritage of each state in digital form will be available for the whole world. Universal connectivity and prepared accordingly content will ensure that everyone can get free access to the world treasures of knowledge and information.

Conclusions and predictions of scientists (Haynes M.) indicate that the analysis of the state of affairs in Europe and the «Group of eight» - G8 focuses on such important issues:

- telecommunications networks and the delivery of digital information;

- intellectual property rights;

- information and communication technologies and related research programs, such as the digitization of multimedia material;

- areas of work and programs that promote the development of cultural and media sector and provide improved access to cultural heritage. The development of new technologies and their applications will

have a profound impact on society. This will partly be a consequence of the use of existing technologies and processes, and it will also be relevant to social or economic impacts of technology on society, such as digital information and telecommunications systems. The integration of information and communication skills into the private life may have a crucial importance, if the benefits of increased prosperity and social convergence are available to most citizens [3].

On the whole, in library and information activities the LIC specifies both opportunities and challenges created by new political, social and technological realities, in particular: the mechanisms that enhance cooperation and collaboration between libraries and information services through the development of partnerships at local, regional, national and international levels (Haynes M. 1999).

Thus, summarizing we can say that the objective laws of contemporary international social and economic development are:

- integration and internationalization of international activities in all spheres, including in the field of culture;

- international cooperation and international specialization, including the international exchange of scientific knowledge and information. The marked trends in international cooperation in the world are particularly vivid expression in the activities of such organizations as the UN and its regional units, as well as its specialized agency UNESCO.

A study by the author of major trends and directions of international library cooperation gives grounds to conclude that the above trends are directly reflected in the library field of developed countries, as well as in developing ones:

1) The leading trend in the international information and library collaboration in the modern world is a library cooperation, which is based on the principle of organization, i.e. corporatism (joint and distributed electronic library resources) and the technological principle, i.e. network integration, which involves the use of telecommunications and, above all, the Internet technologies.

2) Library international cooperation is developing at such levels: local, regional and international.

References

1. Al Tawalbeh Serhan Ahmad (2002). International library cooperation on basis ofcomputer technologies: modern state and perspectives: abstract. dis… of Pedagogical Science's degree, speciality 07.00.08. - Bibliology, Library Scince, Bibliography Science [Electronic resource] / Ahmed Al Tavalbeh Serhan, Kharkiv State Academy of Culture. - Kharkiv, 2002. - 21 p. - (Ukraine). // http://www.nbuv.gov.ua/ard/2002/02atassp.zip

2. Dowd S.T. (1998) Library cooperation: Methods, Models to aid information access // J. Libr. Admin. - 1998. - 12, Т 3. - P.63-81

3. Haynes M. (1999) Problems of the Information Society. The future of libraries in the information society: the position of the British Commission on Libraries and Information // http://www.gpntb.ru/win/ntb/ntb99/2/f02_12.html

4. http://whc.unesco.org/

5. http://www.nbuv.gov.ua

6. Igumnova N.P. (2000) Mezhbibliotechnoe vzaimodyeistvie stran SNG nakanune tretego tysyacheletiya. Problemy i perspektivy // http://www.gpntb.ru/win/ntb/ntb2000/5/f05_02. html

7. International economic relations: V 2-kh tomakh. - T. 1. - M.: Izd-vo «Novosti», Akademiya novogo myshleniya, 2003. - 336 p.

8. Prospects: a strategy for action. London: Library and Information Commission, 1998. (http://www.lic.gov.uk)

9. Report of the IFLA Council // http://whc.unesco.org/; http://www.gpntb.ru/win/ntb/ ntb99/ 5/f05_10.html

10. Shraiberg Ya.L. (2000) Osnovnye polozheniya i printsipy razrabotki avtomatizirovannykh bibliotechno-informatsionnykh sistem i setyei. Glavnye tendentsii okruzheniya, osnovnye polozheniya i predposylki, bazovye printsipy / GPNTB Rossii. - M., 2000. - P.9-40.

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