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Julie &others, My opinion is that it's an excellent suggestion to have a combined directory, and if we have an online version there would be opportunity to search by using subject keywords (what does the library collect), type of library (NHS, organisation, academic, voluntary etc) location, open to members/non-members, physical or online library (or both), with links to URLs, email addresses for enquiries and other such chances in broadening or narrowing a search for libraries. I'm a little bit worried about offering it online as there may be companies out there who will grab a hold of all the data and generate their own databases sending junkmail out. This is a common problem with both print and online directories that I have been involved with and I don't know what the solution could be in restricting access, if indeed there are any solutions to this problem. Nevertheless, I'm all for electronic rather than print, but it would be nice to have the print copy too as browsing is sometimes quicker when you know what you are looking for. Best wishes, Helena Korjonen-Close Information Services Officer The Institute of Clinical Research PO Box 2962 Marlow SL7 1XH Tel: 01628 899764 Fax: 01628 899766 -----Original Message----- From: Discussion list for Health Libraries Group HLG members [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Julie Ryder Sent: 20 August 2004 12:44 To: [log in to unmask] Subject: HLG Directory of Health Library & Information Services in the UK and Republic of Ireland - next edition Good afternoon, everyone. You may be aware that the 11th edition of the HLG Directory of Health Library & Information Services in the UK and Republic of Ireland (which I had the honour of editing!) is dated 2002/2003. The Committee is now thinking about the next edition. The HLG Membership Survey of 2002 suggested that the general opinion of the Directory was high with a number saying that it was invaluable, essential or words to that effect. Quite a few also suggested that it should now be on line. The HLG committee have discussed this idea and feel that the time has come to move to an online free version. FACET who published the last edition accept that we may go forward in this way but would be happy to publish a printed version if we wanted to produce one. It is likely that NeLH may work with us and jointly fund the project. It is also possible that we may be able to sell mailing labels to offset some of the cost. Before we go any further, we thought it worth checking with the membership that you agree that this is the way forward and indeed that there is still a need for a directory, bearing in mind that other websites cover some of the same ground. There is, though, as far as I'm aware no one website which brings together NHS, government, academic and voluntary library and information services in the Health sector. If we go ahead we will update/modify the categories of content as some of it seems outdated now but we will consult with you about that at a later date. Should we, for example, include an expertise section - e.g. is the Library considered as a centre of expertise in a subject. Searchability would obviously be improved; options for indexing in a printed directory are inevitably limited. I look forward to your comments. Julie [log in to unmask]