**Apologies for cross posting**
The British National Bibliography Research Fund has recently awarded
three new grants for research:
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Interested Party Numbers in the book industry
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Interested Party Numbers and Interested Party Name Numbers have been
developed by the collecting societies, which maintain the rights of
copyright owners by collecting and distributing royalties. They used
to identify persons or entities capable of owning intellectual
property rights. By consulting with the various bodies currently or
potentially involved in the system, this BNBRF-funded project will
investigate the feasibility of using the Interested Party (IP)
numbering system as a standard for identifying persons and corporate
entities in the book industry, and the possibility of links with name
authority systems in libraries.
The study will investigate:
* whether it would be feasible to use the IP numbering system in this
way without compromising its original purpose
* what benefits would accrue to the book industry and to libraries
* what database content would be needed, and the extent to which the
data is readily available
* what procedures and funding would be necessary to maintain the
system
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Public library book selection by library suppliers
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The long-standing practice of professional control of selection of new
books for public libraries is under question. At least two library
authorities in England are experimenting with the selection process
being undertaken by library suppliers, within defined briefs and
financial parameters set by the authorities. This BNBRF-funded project
will investigate pilot schemes being undertaken in Hertfordshire and
Westminster by means of a study of the relevant documentation and by
structured interviews with both libraries and suppliers. The project
will examine the resources required and/or saved for both parties, and
will develop a costing model for the process.
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Towards a more efficient and cost-effective library supply chain
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This study, which will explore ways of reducing costs, increasing
efficiency, and improving customer service in library supply, will
concentrate on three main areas: the selection process, the
acquisition process, and suppliers' value added services. The study
will include a literature review and examination of published data,
together with interviews, questionnaires and focus groups involving
librarians, library suppliers, and other parties in the supply chain.
Full details of all RIC current awards are available on the Centre's
Web pages at: http://www.bl.uk/services/ric/awards/awards.html
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Simon Matty
Information Officer
Research and Innovation Centre
The British Library
2 Sheraton Street
London W1V 4BH
tel: 0171 412 7054
fax: 0171 412 7251
email: [log in to unmask]
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