APOLOGIES FOR CROSS-POSTING
What Have Global Trade Agreements Ever Done for Library and Information
Workers?
Date: Tuesday 13 February 2007
Time: 6.30 pm
Venue: The Sekforde Arms, Sekforde Street, London EC1
Speaker: Ruth Rikowski
The library and information world is destined for a major shake-up, with
commercial competition a distinct possibility. World Trade Organisation
treaties are likely to affect fundamentally the way information services
operate: behind the scenes, libraries can be used as 'counters' for
negotiating deals on services policy-makers consider more important.
Copyright and electronic information are two areas in which the WTO is
having an impact but local authorities may, for example, be required to fund
private libraries to avoid accusations of 'unfair' monopolies. Many services
would be affected, including public lending, internet access, relationships
with booksellers and document delivery.
In her presentation, Ruth will discuss the meaning of globalisation and the
significance of the World Trade Organisation's GATS and TRIPS agreements,
arguing that library and information services, along with other public
services (such as education) and intellectual property rights, are being
commodified.
Ruth Rikowski has been an information professional for over 25 years,
working in both the public and private sectors. She teaches at Greenwich and
London South Bank universities and has recently completed books on
globalisation and knowledge management.
CILIP in London evening meetings are free and open to all with a
professional interest in the topic. Refreshments will be available
afterwards. As space is limited, please let us know if you are coming. It
would be helpful to tell us how you found out about the event. Contact
Phillip Powell at [log in to unmask]
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