DAG HAMMARSKJÖLD LIBRARY LAUNCHES SPECIALIZED WEB SITE FOR SMALL AND FIELD LIBRARIES

Press Release
PI/1310

DAG HAMMARSKJÖLD LIBRARY LAUNCHES SPECIALIZED WEB SITE FOR SMALL AND FIELD LIBRARIES

Reflecting its commitment to bridging the digital divide, and in response to the Millennium Summit Declaration, “To ensure that the benefits of new technologies, especially information and communication technologies, in conformity with recommendations contained in the Economic and Social Council 2000 Ministerial Declaration, are available to all” (A/RES/55/2, para. 20), the Dag Hammarskjöld Library has launched a web site geared to the needs of United Nations small and field libraries (http://www.un.org/Depts/dhl/sflib/index.html).

The interactive site is a component of a technical assistance programme implemented by the Dag Hammarskjöld Library for small and field libraries. The site is designed to develop a solid network that will assist librarians in delivering high-quality service to their users, prevent unnecessary duplication of work among libraries, promote dialogue and encourage the exchange of professional ideas, training, standards and recommended best practices.

The site contains databases, manuals for building and maintaining these databases, guidelines for library operations and policies and a discussion forum. It also serves as a gateway to United Nations documentation and a wealth of other pertinent electronic resources.

As the technical assistance programme is in its first stage, its focus is on United Nations small and field libraries. The second stage, to be conducted in strategic partnerships with United Nations specialized agencies, will encompass a comprehensive library network for all country and field offices throughout the United Nations System, as well as Depository Libraries.

The initiative is one of many spearheaded by the Special Interest Group of Library and Information Services (SIG-LIS) of the Information Systems Coordination Committee (ISCC).

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