**apologies for cross posting*
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New Response
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LIC responds to DCMS discussion paper Libraries and the Regions
The LIC response to 'Libraries and the Regions' supports expansion of
Regional Library System membership, calls for the RLSs to be
reconfigured to correspond to Government office boundaries, suggests
that the restructured RLSs should provide the voice for libraries in
the Regional Cultural Consortiums, and supports a merger between
CONARLS: the Circle of Officers of Natonal & Regional
Library Systems and LINC: the Library & Information Co-operation
Council.
Full response at
http://www.lic.gov.uk/publications/responses/regions.html
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Four New Grants Awarded
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1. Evaluating the impact of the Library and Information Commission's
policy work and underpinning research
Details at: http://www.lic.gov.uk/awards/policy.html
2. Publisher relationships on the Web
Details at: http://www.lic.gov.uk/awards/bnbrfcur.html
3. Quality Leaders Project
Details at: http://www.lic.gov.uk/awards/valproj.html
4. Regional Archive Development
Details at: http://www.lic.gov.uk/awards/coopproj.html
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Two New Publications
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Getting information to vocational trainees
by Christine Urquhart
LIC research report 26
The aim of the GIVTS project was to investigate the feasibility and
effectiveness of information services targeted at vocational trainees. The
objectives were: 1) to determine the critical success factors for the
design of information services for vocational trainees which would enhance
implementation of research findings and clinical effectiveness among this
particular group of junior doctors; 2) to investigate how electronic
sources should be used to deliver such services. 3) to establish a
cost-benefit framework and performance/outcome indicators for such benefits
to patient care. £12-00
Developing research in public libraries
by Stella Thebridge, Clare Nankivell and Graham Matthews
LIC research report 24
The specific areas of public library research addressed by this
project were: developing research expertise, encouraging practitioners
to undertake and act on research and to develop effective
dissemination channels for research. The project also aimed to develop
a long-term strategy to ensure that research expertise and
dissemination methods developed could continue beyond the end of the
project. Following an introductory first section, the report's three
remaining sections outline the project's meeting of its objectives as
follows: Section 2 Education and training; Section 3 The climate of
research; Section 4 The way forward. Future options for the
dissemination of public library research and the continuation of the
project's effective research skills courses are discussed, and
recommendations made. £12-00
Both available from: British Thesis Service, The British Library Document
Supply Centre, Boston Spa, Wetherby, West Yorkshire LS23 7BQ
tel: +44 (0) 1937 546229 fax: +44 (0)1937 546286
email: [log in to unmask]
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People's Network Online
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More material has been added to the website for the People's Network
project The NETBase database, tracking ICT developments in public
libraries and updated dynamically by library service managers
themselves, will be available to see soon
http://www.lic.gov.uk/pno/index.html
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RESEARCH BULLETIN
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The second issue of the Library and Information Commission Research
Bulletin is due to be published at the beginning of February 2000.
Items in the second issue include:
NEWS
* Library and information science research - its future in MLAC * LIC
research activities 1995-2000
* DCMS/Wolfson Public Libraries Challenge Fund 2000/2001 * People's
Network update
* Recruit, retain and lead - article describing a LIC-funded project
aiming to help the public library service recruit, retain, support and
develop a workforce appropriate to the current and future needs of the
service.
FEATURES
* Valuing information assets in UK companies. Is there an
understanding of information asset valuation in UK companies? Why
should it be done? How can it be done?
* Rediscovering reading. The role of public libraries during the
National Year of Reading.
* Design and implementation factors in electronic image retrieval
systems. Looking beyond the technical considerations to the
organisational and financial factors which shape the design and
implementation of such systems.
* Being inclusive and 'COOL'. How can public libraries help combat
social exclusion.
* Homework clubs in public libraries. An evaluation of the value and
impact of library-based homework clubs on the educational and social
development of children and young people.
REVIEWS
* Current research in information retrieval. A review of the LIC
information retrieval research programme detailing all the current
projects
* How to make 11.76 pence per annum go a long way. An overview of the
Commission-funded work aiming to improve access to library and reading
services for the blind and visually impaired.
If you would like to subscribe to the Research Bulletin please forward
the following information to [log in to unmask]
Title:
First name:
Surname:
Work address:
Tel:
Fax:
Email:
WWW:
Delivery address, if different from work address.
______________________________________________________________________
Henry Girling
Assistant Information Officer
Library and Information Commission
19-29 Woburn Place
London
WC1H 0LU
Tel: 0171 273 8746
Fax: 0171 273 8701
Email [log in to unmask]
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