International relations and the spread of information worldwide

ht. Libr. Rev. (1991) 23, 91-101

International of Information L.

B.

BETH

WOODS, MANOIS

Relations and the Spread Worldwide

TAMIE AND

WILLIS, PAULA

DAN

CHANDLER,

WOLFE

ABSTRACT The world is too small to function within borders. Librarians have recognized the need for mutual respect and co-operation between nations, and the importance of their role in achieving this end. IFLA represents the interests of librarianship and has established various core programs that address common concerns. Aspects of international co-operation include the needs for preservation of materials, resource sharing through international networks, international telecommunications, librarian exchanges and materials exchanges. Obstacles to technology, finances and cultural differences must be overcome. Developed nations must assume an open and helpful attitude toward sharing technology with underdeveloped nations so that they can begin to thrive, standards of living improve, and economic markets open. Librarians can effect major changes in the way information is transmitted across borders, thereby shaping information policy and the resulting world order.

INTRODUCTION International communication and interdependence has increased until it is impossible for any country to live in isolation. Librarians recognize the importance of receiving a constant flow of information from all parts of the world. The development ofinternational standards, better networking and communications, and the activities of international library organizations, are means by which this can be accomplished. On a different level, exchanges of librarians, materials and consultants provide communications that build a foundation for co-operation between nations. As technology breaks down communication barriers, librarians throughout the world experience similar problems. Their roles in the international transfer of information becomes increas0020-7837/g l/O20091 + 11 $03.00/O

@) 1991 Acadrmic Press Limited

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ingly important to world affairs. It is this role that librarians must investigate in order better to understand its significance in relation to world order.

INTERNATIONAL

ORGANIZATIONS

The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) is an international, independent, non-governmental organization. There are approximately 1250 members from 125 countries, including individuals, library associations and institutions. IFLA’s goals are to “ . . promote international co-operation and understanding, develop and promulgate guidelines for a variety of library activities, and to provide represent the interests of librarians throughout the world .r’.5

a vehicle

to

IFLA originally developed six core programs which addressed common international information concerns: The Universal Bibliographic Control (UBC) and Universal Availability of Publications (UAP) programs are sponsored by the British Library. The International MARC Program (IMP) is headquartered in Frankfurt, the Preservation and Conservation program is sponsored by the Library of Congress (LC), and Transborder Data Flow (TDF) is located in the National Library of Canada. Advancement of Librarianship in the Third World (ALP) is administered by IFLA headquarters in the Hague and also through three regional offices in Malaysia, Senegal and Venezuela.4 (The Southeast Asian center is moving from Malaysia to Thailand).” In 1987, two major changes occurred in the core programs: UBC and IMP merged into a single office and program called Universal Bibliographic Control International MARC (UBCIM). TDF became the Universal Dataflow and Telecommunications program ( 15 : 296). The IFLA’s executive board is responsible for the administrative and professional work of the organization. In 1985, Hans-Peter Geh, then “stressed the need for IFLA to be a global President elect (Germany), forum, free of politics in order to nurture the participation of all countries and enhance the organization’s global reach”. The board made a and advance librarianship in the further commitment to “improve Third World and to increase IFLA’s programs and awareness of information services”.4 In 1986 the conference met in Tokyo, Japan. Almost 2000 delegates from 63 countries participated. President Geh stressed the need for continued commitment to Third World countries, but acknowledged the severe financial limitations of the IFLA.

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IFLA has always been liberal in levying dues from countries with currency and economic problems and it attempts to find sponsors from among the developed nations as an interim step to participation. Geh also called upon developed countries to contribute to the IFLA International Development Fund, an additional source of funding for developing nations.6 The conference was held in England in 1987, Australia in 1988, Paris in 1989, Stockholm in 1990 and is scheduled for Moscow in 199 1 .s

PRESERVATION

OF

MATERIALS

A major aspect of international co-operation concerns the preservation of library materials. So far, the extent of that co-operation is an exchange of knowledge and expertise rather than joint projects, although that may develop. Meetings such as those held by the IFLA in 1982 and the Conference ofDirectors ofNational Libraries (CDNL) in 1986, have focused attention on the problems ofpreservation and generated interest in searching for international solutions to problems. The CDNL conference was a special Conference on Preservation Policy and Practice and had four main goals: (1) To review the preservation challenges facing the libraries of the world today; (2) To describe the nature and scope oflibrary preservation activities of the world today; (3) To provide practical preservation information on a variety of topics and (4) To convey a general body of knowledge that will serve as the foundation for future discussions and exchange of information on library preservation.*’ These conferences have helped develop an international recognition of preservation problems. For example, a hindrance to maintaining access to existing information is that paper is often acidic and such paper eventually deteriorates and disintegrates. Libraries must also be prepared for natural and man-made disasters. The Library of Congress (LC) has invested much time and money into developing solutions to preservation problems. LC’s administration has expressed a willingness to share this information with other countries. Although problems have arisen with the use ofcertain chemicals, LC is attempting to develop a de-acidification process for use with large quantities of paper. When this process is operational, it will be licensed and made available to other countries.‘”

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LC also maintains an extensive microfilming project in an effort to preserve significant periodical literature. Presently, roughly 1500 titles that are not published in the United States, are filmed.*’ A policy was initiated to continue filming significant literature from other countries until “a commitment to their preservation is assumed by other libraries, governmental agencies or commercial micropublishers”.“’ The New York Public Library and the British Library are working on parallel and linked registers of microform masters that would include “to be filmed” and “already filmed” titles.‘” Besides the exchange ofinformation on preservation techniques, there has been an exchange of preservation experts. After a fire occurred in Leningrad’s National Academy of Sciences Library in February, 1988, LC sent its preservation officer, Peter Waters, along with two other conservators to advise the Soviets on their restoration efforts. The three from the United States were not the only non-Soviet advisers there. It is this kind of help that shows the value of international co-operation. Mutual preservation concerns and other forms of co-operation may nudge countries and governments closer together;14 e.g., the Soviet help in freeing the whales that were trapped in ice off the Alaska coast shows to the world community that mankind can act together to accomplish peaceful humanitarian objectives. An often overlooked aspect of international co-operation is the positive political influence that can develop from co-operatively addressing shared concerns. An international, united front presented to publishers might force, for example, the use of acid-free paper in publishing. This same front might be used to persuade publishers to stop using certain plastic bindings that stick and “perfect bindings” that do not hold together.” International co-operation is the vehicle through which the preservation of the worldwide record of humanity will be effected.

INTERNATIONALNETWORKSAND

INFORMATION

SERVICES

International resource sharing and networking has not grown as rapidly as has networking within developed countries. As systems become more sophisticated, nations have begun to share them with each other. Unfortunately, the less developed countries that would benefit most from resource sharing have been slowest to accept or carry out a national or international networking plan. The best circumstances for network development are a substantial library system, well established telecommunication and postal infrastructures and a respect for written information. Japan has chosen UTLAS for library networking; the British Library provides extensive

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cataloguing and document delivery services within Britain and to North American and European libraries; and the Bibliotheque National, in Paris, is finally automating after years of bureaucratic delay. DIALOG, BRS and MEDLINE are available in Europe and in areas such as the Caribbean, while STN International provides German technical data bases to the United States. The United States and Europe, and to a lesser extent Japan, are forming information links that will set them even farther apart from the poorer nations. There are four general sources of resistance to co-operation: economic resources, political decisions and neglect, personal and professional concerns, and social and cultural pressures. The more pressing problem is the limited funds available for collection development in many countries. Ordinarily, a lack of resources would encourage sharing, but only if the basic structures for sharing are in place. In many third world countries they are not likely to be in place for many years and this prospect holds frightening economic and political implications. Underlying modern library networks are reliable national postal and telecommunications networks and access to photocopy and facsimile machines. Many countries do not have these and most Third World libraries have developed a protective attitude toward their resources because of this and the lack of equipment and resources. For many it is more practical and timely, for example, to request loans from the British Library or the National Agricultural Library in the US. In Nigeria the average loan between Lagos and Ibadan Universities took 17.7 days while from London to either university took 13.3 days. A survey of university libraries in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda showed that of 82 libraries, 22 had no photocopying equipment and 24 did not have a microform reader.’ At the national level, library planning in developing countries is either sporadic or non-existent. Many libraries were established for a particular purpose, then allowed to continue under their own or an agency’s direction. Libraries associated with individual departments of the same university often do not exchange documents among themselves nor use the same cataloguing standards. Native information professionals receive little support for training, even where money for buildings and collections is available; e.g., Arab oil-producing states.’ Before the recent war in the Middle-East, efforts to correct this problem were under way in Kuwait. This could have provided a boost to librarianship throughout the region. With the rebuilding of Kuwait, however, efforts to train librarians may not be high on that country’s list of educational priorities. The library director forced to work in strapped and chaotic conditions may develop a defensive attitude about progress. The thing that

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is blocking those who might entertain the idea of resource sharing is the lack of national bibliographies and union catalogues. Compilation of these basic tools is hindered by the lack of consistent training, professional contacts and continuing education which would provide the common background to allow for the exchange of bibliographical information.’ The cultural background of a nation may also work against international or even internal information services. Those nations which have a multiplicity of prominent languages must address the needs of all groups or face the loss of support (sometimes active opposition) from the ignored groups. Printing or electronic support may be limited, even for such prominent languages as Japanese and Chinese. After solving language and representational problems, there is a need for a literate population in order for libraries to receive use and support. Illiteracy is not only a function of lack of education, it can result from cultural differences, e.g., the oral tradition of transmitting knowledge.’ Fears may arise of dependence on outside sources and of standards that may submerge local culture and national character.7 Developing countries need up-to-date agricultural information, perhaps more than on any other subject. V. Cano found that electronic data bases dealing with agriculture often index research oriented articles instead of the practical articles needed in most developing countries. Ironically, the practical articles are often from other developing countries which have difficulty in providing access to the information because of inadequate postal services, telecommunications, equipment and personnel.7 INTERNATIONAL

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Regulation of international telecommunications is implemented by treaties that result from consultations and negotiations among representatives of governmental, postal, telegraph and telephone authorities (PTT). The groups that write the standards are the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC); the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), which includes the Consultative Committee for International Telegraphy and Telephony (CCITT); and the International Standards Organization (ISO). In addition, Intelsat regulates satellite communications. US representation on these committees comes from the Federal Communications commission (FCC), the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) or AT&T and other private utilities acting as a group. Government agencies that hold telecommunication and postal monopolies represent other nations. The CCITT establishes standards for modems, packet switching

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networks, and terminal transmission and reception. It determines the way in which any terminal or computer in the world will send and receive information to any other terminal or computer. In data transm ission, the CCIT has worked with the IS0 on the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI). IS0 also works on standards of documentation and an “application-layer (i.e. [a] program running on your computer) OS1 protocol for information retrieval”.3 Within the structure of this regulatory environment there is much room for argument, discussion and customization. For example, the “Hayes Standard” for modems is an application in detail of the general CCITT standards for 1200 baud modems. Telecommunications charges between nations are not controlled by any organization but left to the discretion of individual governments. Developed nations subsidize the charges in order to encourage information exchange for business. Higher rates charged in the Third World generate revenue for the governments from foreign companies. Governments may also choose to deny leases for telecommunication lines to foreign companies in order to protect domestic interests.3 Transborder data flow, the transmission of information about a nation’s research, economy, demographics or other valuable data, has begun to receive attention. France and other developed nations have discussed taxing such data to restrict its use, to compensate for the generation of the data or to provide another source of revenue. Canada will not transmit certain data bases across its borders, largely to provide an edge for its domestic businesseswhich compete with US firms. West Germany and Brazil both restrict the transfer ofdata about their citizens and businesses. The United States government lim its the Aerospace and Energy data bases to the US and a lim ited group of allied nations. INTERNATIONAL

LIBRARIAN

EXCHANGES

Librarian and material exchange programs offer a foundation ofmutual understanding and co-operation that can enhance the worldwide flow of information. “Exchanges foster inter-institutional co-operation, information sharing, networking and standardization. They offer an exciting way for the librarians involved to ‘recharge’ their batteries”.” The steps involved in undertaking an exchange vary with each locale, Some institutions have a long history of international development, e.g., Washington State University (WSU) which has participated since the 1950s.” “Most people who arrange exchanges do so on an individual basis and . . . very few formal exchange arrangements exists”.” The Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) in the United States has established an Ad Hoc Committee on Librarian

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Exchanges that can provide useful information. Other librarians who have participated in an exchange are also excellent sources.” WSU held a workshop in May of 1986 entitled “Librarians and International Development: Getting Involved”. Some of the subjects covered: “what it means to be a library consultant overseas, cross-cultural communication, stateside library support services for international development projects, project design, implementation and evaluation, culture shock and how international development fits into the WSU Libraries’ overall goals”.” This workshop is available on video tape. Participants received two bibliographies: “Living and Working Overand “The Global Challenge: Interseas: A Selected Bibliography” national Development” (a bibliography of films and videos). Write to Holland Library, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 991645610 for information. The first step a librarian must take is to get the approval of the institutions where she/he works. Aspects to consider include finances, work load, housing, cost of living, and salaries. Nancy Keane, a cataloguer at the University of Vermont, exchanged jobs with a cataloguer from Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland. Each continued to receive salaries and benefits from their own institutions. Keane provides several practical suggestions: (1) Make the exchange as simple as possible . , (2) Be sure to allow yourself plenty of time . . [for] everything takes longer than I thought it would-especially the mail service. (3) . . In your initial inquiry, make your institution and area as attractive as possible. (4) In order to minimize the cost, investigate funding sources [The Council for International Exchange of Scholars in Washington and state professional development budgets].”

Exchange programs have taken place all over the world. In July 1987, the Soviet Union and the US negotiated a co-operative agreement for the exchange of personnel, materials and information. Library relations between the two countries had been almost non-existent since 1979 when the Afghanistan dispute occurred. “The librarians also agreed to facilitate joint US and USSR research projects and provide access to materials and reference aids for researchers visiting libraries in each other’s countries”.g

Glasnost has loosened, to a limited extent, the tight control exercised over Soviet libraries. If the trend continues, the changes within the Soviet library system could be dramatic. It will be a fascinating era to witness.‘* “It

is encouraging

that glasnost

is beginning

to surface in the library

literature,

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endorsing the pluralism of ideas and calling for less passivity and more independence of views by librarians”.13

China’s libraries are also experiencing a period of transition. The Cultural Revolution was “catastrophic for libraries of all types”. Books and materials were destroyed and scholars and librarians were displaced and sent to the country or to factories. China is now trying to fill that gap, build collections, and update technology and management techniques. Chinese librarians have expressed interest in a materials exchange and an “exchange of personnel for studies and research, lectures and symposia, and general exchange of experience.lg In some countries, exchange programs can be handled through individual librarians and their institutions. Programs in countries such as the Soviet Union or China involve other agencies and governmental bodies.

INTERNATIONAL

MATERIAL

EXCHANGES

It is difficult for librarians in developed countries to comprehend the extent ofdeprivation experienced from lack of materials in Third World nations. The formation of the International Library Exchange Center (ILEC), incorporated in 1985, was to provide a “link between libraries in the USA and abroad for the exchange of information, library materials and library personnel”. The ILEC collects and disseminates material “about information needs and potential suppliers of information sources”. The US benefits from the exchange by gaining access to foreign publications. The ILEC can help in distributing the materials that American libraries discard which could be beneficial to other countries.16 Most of the funding for ILEC comes from grants. When possible, receiving libraries pay shipping costs. To begin operations, a schedule of membership fees was instituted.16 Universal Availability of Publications (UAP) is “a program to promote international interlending of library materials”. It has been nurtured by IFLA for about a decade.‘* The guiding principle of UAP is: As an essential element in any programme of national and international planning and as a natural concomitant of Universal Bibliographic Control, efforts should be made both within each country and between countries to improve access to publications, by increasing the availability and speed of interlending services and by developing simple and efficient procedures. The ultimate aim should be to ensure that all individuals throughout the world should be able to obtain for personal use any publication, whenever or wherever published, either in original or in copy.‘*

A 1978 brochure

lists the basic requirements

of UAP that:

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republishers in each country seek to match their publishing and distribution programmes closely to national and international requirements by soliciting manuscripts and by selecting from unsolicited manuscripts; -effective book trade channels be developed to ensure the prompt availability ol material to consumers; -libraries, documentation centres and archives develop effective policies and procedures for the acquisition of material, whether by purchase, gift or exchange, to serve present and future needs; -libraries, archives and documentation centres develop effective policies and procedures for the supply of documents, either in the original or as copies, to remote as well as to local users. -the library and archive system of each country is such as to ensure the retention of at least one copy of all published documents required.‘*

The brochure also provides an outline of the responsibilities of governments, publishers, booksellers, information personnel, professional and learned associations, libraries and archives. In 1982, the UAP Congress saw “UAP as an essential element in develsupport of the economic, social, scientific and technological opment of nations and the personal development of individuals”.‘s Exchange of materials and information can enhance the lives of the entire population. Though librarians may not have the immediate power to change governments or governmental policies, lasting benefits can be gained by recognizing the desperate needs of many nations and by helping them. CONCLUSION

Expanding international relations is a complex and time consuming activity but the world is too small to function within borders. Librarians have recognized the need for mutual respect and co-operation. The years ahead will provide exciting challenges for librarians to help overcome obstacles to technology, finances and cultural differences. Newer technologies will transform the way information is transmitted between nations. Developed countries must assume, as part of their obligations to humanity, a more open and helpful attitude toward sharing technology with underdeveloped nations. By taking this important step, other nations will begin to thrive, standards of living will gradually improve and economic markets will open. Developed nations will reap as many benefits as undeveloped nations. Librarians can effect major changes in the way information is transmitted across international borders. By rising to the challenges that lie in the future, librarians can be a politically powerful group. Their influence is likely to be positive regarding the decisions that shape information policy and the resulting world information order. Good libraries and qualified librarians are important economic commodities.

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Formats of materials will change and the information they convey will be more complex. Librarians with a world view will be needed if this more complex world is to result in information for all and a better life for the peoples of the world. BIBLIOGRAPHY

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Bouazza, A. (1986) Resource Sharing Among Libraries in Developing Countries: The Gulf Between Hope and Reality. International Library Review 18, pp. 3733387. Cano, V. (1985) International Bibliographic Network Participation: AGRIS in Canada. Libri 35 (December), pp. 341- 348. Davison, W. ( 1986) The International Telecommunications Environment. Journal of the American Society for Information Science 37 (June), pp. 4 188422. Dyer, E. (1985) The Body Politics: 1FI.A Meets in Chicago. Wilson Library Bulletin 60 (December), pp. 27-30. Dyer, E. (1988) IFLA Meets Down Under. Wilson Library Bulletin 63 (December), pp. 69-70. Dyer, E. (1986) Special Report: IFLA in Tokyo. Wilson Library Bulletin 61 (December), pp. 28-29 + Horne, E. (1987) International Comparison and Problems in the Application of Information Technology to Information Services. Reference Librarian 17 (Spring). pp. 23344. Horrocks, N. (1987) Culture Shock at Brighton. Library Journal 112 (November): pp. 48-52. In the News: U.S. and Soviet Librarians Agree to Strengthen Ties”. American Libraries 18 (October), pp. 724-726. Jolliffe, J. (1987) “International Cooperation in Prrservation”. Collection Management 9, 113-181. Keane, N. (1987) Need a Change? Try an Exchange. College and Research Libraries Nezes 48 (November), pp. 634-637. Kimmage, D. (1988) Glasnost in Soviet Libraries; Part One of Two. American Libraries 19 (July/August), pp. 570--57.5. Kimmage, D. (1988) “Glasnost in Soviet Libraries; Part Two. American Libraries 19 (September), pp. 6522657. Kimmage, D. (1988) In the News: Scholar in USSR Faults ‘Upside-down Glasnost’ After Library Fire Destroying Half-million Books. American Libraries 19 (May), pp. 3322333. From the Core Programmes. (1987) ZFLA J ournal 13 (August), pp. 2966297. Miller, E. (1987) International Library Exchanges. Library Acquisitions: Practice & Theory 11, pp. 85-89. Spitzer, A. and Brekke, E. (1986) Librarians and International Development: Getting Involved. College and Research Libraries News 47 (September), 504 & 507. Stubbs-Stuart, B. and Simpson, D. (1984) T racking the Elusive UAP: The Origin and Development of a Concept. Library Journal 109 (September), pp. 1719-1723. Stuart, R. and Crist, M. (1987) Ch’ma’s Libraries in Transition. Library Journal 112 (September), pp. 1433148. Welsh, W. J. (1987) International Cooperation in Preservation of Library Materials. Collection Management 9 (Summer/Fall), pp. 119-l 3 1. Welsh,J. (1988) Preserving the Book and Other Library Resources: A Worldwide Plan. Herald of Library Science 25 July/October), pp. 171-176.