*With apologies for cross-posting*
Library and Information Co-operation Council (LINC) News Release
14 December 1998 For immediate release
"Library and Information Plans: an enduring concept"
Information planning - what it is and how to do it
"Library and Information Plans: an enduring concept", the latest in the
Issues in Focus series, has been published by LINC, the Library and
Information Co-operation Council.
Written by Nick Fox, immediate past Chair of the National Forum for
Information Planning (NFIP), Issues in Focus No. 15 charts the history of
the Library and Information Plan (LIP) concept and its continuing
relevance in the current context.
"We've seen a number of new information planning organisations emerging
in recent years, notably in Shropshire, Kent and Northamptonshire", says
LINC Chair Chris Koster, "and cross-sectoral collaboration is widely
acknowledged as essential to optimise access to the total library and
information resource".
Nick Fox points out that "LIPs are . . . part of the national approach to
the co-ordinated and strategically-planned provision and exploitation of
information. They are the grass-roots level, feeding into and supporting
any regional level, which in turn should support the national level".
LIPs can be geographic or subject based, and can be national, regional or
local in scope. "Cross-sectoral" can refer to different sectors within
the library and information sector (eg. local authority and academic) or
between library and information sector organisations and those outside it
(eg. education and business/industrial sectors).
"Can't the answers all come out of an IT box? Not yet," argues Nick Fox,
setting out the case for collaboration and the benefits to be derived
from it. He also points out that "information planning can be on various
levels and can start very modestly, developing as resources permit". The
LIP methodology is explained and practical issues are addressed, such as
key success factors and possible activities and outputs, based on the
experience of information planning organisations over a number of years.
He also poses some questions and answers on LIPs, with advice on "dos and
don'ts".
Copies of Issues in Focus No. 14 (free of charge up to 20 copies) are
available from Pat Wressell & Associates, 36 Highbury, Jesmond, Newcastle
upon Tyne NE2 3EA. Tel: 0191 281 3502. Fax: 0191 212 0146.
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/ends
Notes to Editors
1. A copy of Issues in Focus No. 15 is enclosed (snailmail recipients
only). Issues in Focus is a series of 4-page occasional papers published
by LINC.
2. Nick Fox is Assistant County Librarian, Hampshire, and Assistant
Secretary, Hatrics: The Southern Information Network. He was Chair of
NFIP, the National Forum for Information Planning 1994-1998.
3. For further information on "Library and Information Plans: an
enduring concept", contact: *Nick Fox*, Hatrics, 81 North Walls,
Winchester SO23 8BY. Tel: 01962 846 077. Fax: 01962 856 615. E-mail:
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4. LINC is the leading representative organisation promoting
co-operation and partnership in the UK and Republic of Ireland as a means
of improving the effectiveness of the library and information sector. Its
members include the British Library, the National Library of Scotland, An
Chomhairle Leabharlanna (the Irish Library Council), LISC (NI),
Interlending Wales, LA, SCONUL, the Society of Chief Librarians, all but
one of the English Library Regions, and a range of organisations with an
interest in co-operation. It has three Panels: NEWSPLAN, NFIP (National
Forum for Information Planning) and LINC Health Panel.
5. For further information on LINC contact:
*LINC Chair Chris Koster*, Director of Libraries & Arts, Royal Borough of
Kensington and Chelsea, Central Library, Phillimore Walk, London W8 7RX.
Tel: 0171 361 3024. Fax: 0171 361 2976. E-mail: [log in to unmask]
or
LINC Honorary Secretary Paul Turner, County Librarian, Hampshire, 81
North Walls, Winchester SO23 8BY. Tel: 01962 846 109. Fax: 01962 856
615. E-mail: [log in to unmask]
6. News release issued for LINC by Pat Wressell & Associates, Press
Officer. Tel: 0191 281 3502. Fax: 0191 212 0146. E-mail:
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