1. HEADQUARTERS

1.1 Libraries

1.1.1 Bibliotheca Alexandrina

The Bibliotheca Alexandrina Project is progressing satisfactorily, particularly since Phase 1 of the Library construction (foundations and ground engineering works) is nearing completion. The selection of a contractor for phase 2 (superstructures and finishing) should be completed in 1996. This contract is expected to last 900 days, with inauguration of the library scheduled for late 1998. Approximately $100 million, however, are still needed to complete this phase of the construction. A meeting of the International Commission for the Bibliotheca Alexandrina is planned to be held in the near future to try to raise these funds. In addition, work is in progress in five main areas: staff training (both in-house and by means of scholarship abroad); the establishment of a library information system; the establishment of the Library's organization; the creation of the International School of Information Studies (ISIS); and the establishment of complementary facilities such as the planetarium.

Two international symposia on the Library collections have been held (November 1994 and November 1995). Approximately 120,000 volumes, including ca. 5,000 rare books have been collected and processed in Alexandria. Books are arriving at the rate of ca 0,000 a year. The aim is also to acquire 4,000 current periodicals.

Eight “Friends of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina” groups have been established world-wide to promote the Library and help to raise funds for its construction and start-up operations. The first International Meeting of the these “Friends” groups was held in Athens, Greece in May 1996 to share experiences and develop ideas on ways ands means to strengthen support activities for the Library.

1.1.2 Russian State Library

The fourth meeting of the International Commission of Experts took place in September 1996. It reviewed and adopted the Strategy finalised by the Russian State Library on the basis of the Commission's recommendations. The expert group made concrete proposals for the implementation of the different activities included in this strategy. Major emphasis was given to the fund raising aspects and to the need to ensure the national political sponsorship for this major programme. The French government made great efforts to assist in the building renovation aspects. The Russian Permanent Delegation to UNESCO was, at all times, very supportive to the Secretariat.

1.1.3 Inter-Library Computerised Network (LIBNET)

Assistance was provided, in accordance with the decision taken by o the General Conference at its twenty-eighth session (November 1995), to the formulation of a Workplan for the implementation of an Inter-library Computerised Network (LIBNET) for the Commonwealth of Independent States. In the first phase, a network of libraries in Moscow will be established. A project strongly supported by the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation consisted of two stages: Study tours to acquaint Russian experts with the on-going experiences in other countries and the drafting of the Plan.

1.1.4 National and University Library of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarajevo

In the post-war period and within the framework of longer-term rehabilitation and reconstruction, CII/INF is pursuing its assistance programme for the National and University Library of Bosnia and Herzeg4ovina, particularly regarding equipment (purchase of computers), training and collection rebuilding. It is intended to use major parts of donations received for the revival programme of the Library for the rehabilitation of premises which the national authorities have recently allocated to the library. The World Bank is presently examining the possibilities to co-operate with UNESCO in identifying longer term solutions for the reconstruction of the Library.

CII/INF organized in May 1996 an expert mission for assessing the situation of libraries in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Within the context of the mission, a national meeting of library directors was held with the participation of the UNESCO experts. The assessment report including detailed recommendations will be submitted to the national authorities.

1.1.5 UNESCO Network of Associated Libraries (UNAL)

The UNESCO Network of Associated Libraries (UNAL) continues to raise deep interest among public libraries and membership is steadily increasing. Activities carried out under the aegis of the Network are most vibrant in Africa, Europe and Latin America and this is reflected by the seminars which have been organized to strengthen library co-operation. In 1994, two international seminars were held in the Russian Federation and Italy respectively and in 1995, a subregional seminar was organized in Malawi to sensitize participants to UNAL's objectives. In 1996, a regional workshop was organized by Cuba with the goal of creating a subregional branch of UNAL and fostering co-operation between members in the region. In Zaire, a similar plan for collaboration at the national level was being prepared.

The network provides an effective way of publicizing UNESCO's action as well as making small communities aware of major international concerns and of measures that can be taken at the local level to combat certain societal ills. The UNAL INFO newsletter, which became a quarterly publication in 1996, is being developed to draw attention to a different objective in each issue. Libraries are being encouraged to strengthen exchanges with their counterparts elsewhere in the world and library twinning is therefore promoted, in collaboration with IFLA, as a means of achieving this end.

1.2 Archives

1.2.1 Records and Archives Management Programme

Within the framework of the Records and Archives Management Programme (RAMP), production and dissemination of RAMP studies on various aspects of archives management were pursued. The activities presently concentrate on the problem of international archival claims and the possible contribution of international organizations to settling of these claims on a bilateral basis. Under contract with the International Council on Archives, guidelines are being prepared on the safeguarding of records and archives in the event of armed conflicts. In addition, UNESCO initiates the debate on the right of individuals to access archives containing personal information taking into consideration the legal and ethical aspects which occur within the context of the use of new communication and information technologies in archives. An INTERNET discussion group is being established and the result of the debate will be presented at the “Infoethics” Conference, organized by CII/INF in march 1996 (c.f. paragraph 1.8).

CII/INF pursued its technical support and administrative services in relation to the implementation of the project of the establishment of the National Centre for Archives in Sana'a, Yemen (Yem/92/041) and initiated the project for assistance to archives in Portuguese speaking countries in Africa, funded under a Portuguese funds-in trust arrangement. Within the framework of this project, a seminar on “Archives and oral traditions” was organized in Praia, Cape Verde, with the participation of archivists from five Portuguese speaking African countries.

CII/INF organized in May 1996 an expert mission for assessing the situation of archives in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Within the context of the mission, a national meeting of archives directors was held with the participation of the UNESCO experts. The assessment report including detailed recommendations will be submitted to the national authorities. As a follow-up to the archives assessment, a general census of records-creating agencies is presently being prepared; its full implementation will probably be funded by the Open Society Archives/Soros Foundation and carried out in close co-operation with the International Council on Archives (ICA).

1.2.2 Audio-visual archives

The audio-visual archives programme concentrated on two key areas during the period under review. To combat the lack of specialist training for managers and technical personnel of audio-visual archives, UNESCO organized a consultation with the NGOs of the “Round Table on Audio-visual Records” and professional trainers and educators to examine various options with the ultimate view of developing formally accredited qualifications. A practical “Audio-visual Reader”, serving as a daily reference tool for archivists, is under preparation and shall shortly be made available. Lack of funding in the current biennium has interrupted training activities under UNESCO sponsorship but the report prepared by the audio-visual curriculum development committee has provided the basis for an Australian initiative to meet the needs of Asia and the Pacific starting in 1998.

Archiving of audio-visual items is affected by legal issues which impact on preservation and rights to access concerning deposited materials. In collaboration with concerned bodies, UNESCO has embarked on an examination of these issues with a view to ensuring closer collaboration between audio-visual industries and archivists to develop internationally accepted mechanisms governing access to, preservation and protection of materials.

Other activities include the production of a videofilm, the "Vulnerable Treasure", for dissemination in Africa as a means of inciting Governments to take measures for the safeguarding of their audio-visual heritage. An inventory of the National Cinematic Heritage, based on inputs provided by Member States, was published and distributed to interested bodies as part of the commemoration of the first centenary of film.

1.3 MEMORY OF THE WORLD PROGRAMME

At its hundred and forty-ninth session, the Executive Board adopted the Statutes of the International Advisory Committee (IAC) of the "Memory of the World" Programme to guide the planning and the implementation of the Programme (ref. 149 Ex/Decisions, Item 5.3). The IAC will meet next year.

The Sub-Committee on Technology recommended, at its third meeting in Prague (March 1996) that digital copies of manuscripts and old printed material under "Memory of the World" use the Hypertext Markup Language as the basic presentation tool in order to provide the widest possible access. As to the preservation of the originals, a series of six brochures will discuss and compile annotated lists of the most relevant standards.

A "Memory of the World" Register, similar to UNESCO's World Heritage List, will list manuscripts, audio-visual materials, library and archive holdings of universal value which have been identified by the IAC as meeting the selection criteria for world significance. Nominations have been received from some 15 countries. The Register will be made available on-line to all countries. Meanwhile, institutions nominating documentary heritage for registration are invited to send illustration material that could be used to promote their nomination through the "Memory of the World" home page.

All Member States were invited to set up "Memory of the World" National Committees, to identify and select projects, to follow them up and to raise funds for their implementation. To date, National Committees have been set up in 18 countries and two Member States have indicated that national institutions are already performing the role of National Committees.

The First International Conference on "Memory of the World" was held in Oslo from 3-5 June 1996. Ca. 150 delegates from 65 countries participated in the Conference, which highlighted the results achieved by the Programme and the need for regional and national plans for preservation and access. The Conference adopted a resolution urging all countries to establish "Memory of the World" Committees and to become active participants in the Programme. The Programme will widely benefit from the momentum generated by the Conference.

The Sub-Committee on Marketing held its first meeting in Oslo, in July 1996. The Group outlined a fund-raising strategy for the Programme, together with a promotional and marketing plan and a legal framework. The meeting agreed that there was a possibility for "Memory of the World" to seek partnership with major companies active in creating and preserving memory and knowledge and suggested that famous writers and winners of literary prizes should be invited to rally the Programme and publicize its aims and achievements.

1.4 Training

The activities of the International Network of Schools of Library and Information Sciences (SLISNET) have been reoriented according to the decisions of the Bureau of the PGI Council (PGI-96/COUNCIL/BUR.XXIII/7, paragraph 11). An amount of US$53,000 has been deducted from this project, including funds for the meeting of the SLISNET monitoring group, to support the publication of the World Information Report.

1.5 World Information Report

The publication of the World Information Report is now well underway. This document aims at providing a world-wide picture of archive, library and information services in 1996 The report is a descriptive document made of three parts: the first part adopts a geographical approach (regions and/or subregions); the second part describes the main infrastructure components for information work, such as computers, telecommunication networks or buildings and the third part reviews selected issues such as intellectual property or information highways. The report is composed of papers from 27 different highly qualified specialists from all over the world for a total of about 480 pages. It will be published in English and French and negotiation are underway for publication in other UNESCO official languages. The document will be available early February 1997.

1.6 Up-stream activities

Several projects have been implemented or initiated in the current biennium with a view to assisting Member States in up-stream activities and in the identification, formulation and design of information projects. These activities have led to the formulation of the following extra-budgetary projects submitted/being processed for submission to appropriate funding sources for consideration:

• review of information needs of all priority sectors in Cape Verde;
• analysis of information needs for special education in Morocco and Saudi Arabia;
• definition of information needs for the introduction of interdisciplinary training on environmental risk and crisis management in Hungary;
• study of the impact of new information technologies on the information transfer chain in the Czech Republic.

With a view to assisting Member States in up-stream activities and in the identification, formulation and design of information projects, three pilot projects are being implemented. With a view to designing a pilot decision support system for municipal risk and crisis management an international meeting of mayors was organised under extra-budgetary financing. A first study is being implemented in Meknes, Morocco, on information needs and available resources, paying special attention to geographic information systems, INTERNET applications and remote sensing. The development of a computerised information system for governmental decision makers on technological and social aspects of environment started with the commissioning of a study to be undertaken in the Caribbean region, focusing on interdisciplinary links in the field of environmental management and the information needs and available resources in small island states. The pilot project on the application of INTERNET tools for linking academic institutions in the Mediterranean region is focusing on the co-operative development of 3D and multimedia content on historical monuments for a prestigious Web site to be established under CII's homepage.

1.7 Software development and distribution

1.7.1 CDS/ISIS

While routine maintenance of the MSDOS version has been continued, development focused on the Windows version of CDS/ISIS, the first release of which is planned for the end of 1996. Successive beta versions of this have been made available through INTERNET and currently over 500 users have downloaded it for testing. A client and a server implementing the Z39.50 (WAIS) protocol have also been developed, and are currently in use at various INTERNET sites, including UNESCO.

1.7.2 IDAMS

Development and distribution of the IDAMS package was continued. Thanks to the co-operation of highly qualified specialists from ca. 10 countries, the distribution of a new release (English version) has started. The possibility of producing national language versions, the electronic user manual, improved user interface and enhanced graphical presentation facilities, new data management and analysis procedures, as well as full support of its use in a multi-user networked environment are the highlight features of this new release. Production of the French and Spanish versions is in progress. Development capacities are now focused on the WINDOWS version of IDAMS (design and prototyping of which is under way), in close co-operation with the International Technical Advisory Group. While traditional ways of training in the use of IDAMS are maintained and encouraged, the exploration of technical and financial aspects of new modalities (computerized tutorial, global network based tele-teaching) has started. General information on IDAMS and on the distributors' network is already available on the UNESCO Web, and an INTERNET discussion forum has recently been opened at the Université catholique de Louvain, Belgium. Possibilities are presently being examined to use INTERNET for distributing the software and the user manual.

1.8 Telematics and new technologies

1.8.1 Activities of the Telematics Unit

Following the recommendations of the Executive Board, plans are being developed for the organization in 1998 of a world conference on Information, Communication and Development which will focus particularly on critical social, cultural, legal and ethical issues.

Planning is proceeding for promotion of an international cooperative electronic observatory covering research results and innovations on the use of technologies in communication and information applications. This observatory will be accessible through the CII Web site.

UNESCO, working with UNECA, the World Bank, the ITU and UNCTAD within the UN System-wide Special Initiative on Africa, is contributing to the planning and fund raising for a $11.5 million programme entitled "Harnessing Information Technology for Development" to help "kickstart" the African Information Society Initiative (AISI). A model project for AISI, has been initiated in Ghana; while mobilizing extrabudgetary resources, training and policy activities are underway with support from the Regular Programme.

Support is being provided to the Panafrican News Agency (PANA) in the development of its African Network for Integration and Development (RAPIDE), which will provide news, market data and legal, administrative and cultural information in the region through the INTERNET.

Appropriate use of information and communication technologies for community empowerment and development are being promoted through joint ITU-UNESCO activities. A project to be sponsored by DANIDA starting in 1997 envisages the establishment of pilot programmes in four African countries, and, in Asia and the Pacific, UNESCO's work on rural Community Learning and Resource Centres (CLARCs) will be extended through two pilot projects.

Following the successful African Regional Symposium on Telematics for Development held in Addis Ababa in April 1995, similar ITU-UNESCO meetings are being planned for the Arab States (Tunis, early 1997) and Latin America and the Caribbean.

The Commission of the European Communities (CEC) and UNESCO launched the STACCIS (Support for Telematics Applications Cooperation with the Commonwealth of Independent States) project in July 1996. STACCIS, which has received funding of about $500,000 from the CEC for a period of three years, is promoting regional development and East-West cooperation on telematics applications in the key areas of research, education and environment.

The Pilot Project on Access to Telematics Services in the Caribbean, launched in February 1996 under the sponsorship of the Commonwealth of Learning (COL), the International Council for Scientific and Technical Information (ICSTI), the ITU, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), UNDP and UNESCO, is progressing well, and will be considered as a model for an extended project in the region in 1997.

ITU-UNESCO pilot projects on Educational Application of Interactive Television are being implemented in India and Morocco with extrabudgetary support and in collaboration with the Education Sector, and means of responding to requests from Mexico and South Africa to participate in this activity are under consideration. These joint projects are designed to test whether this technology can be affordable and appropriate for educational applications in developing countries, and to provide feedback to the ITU standardization process in this area.

1.8.2 Infoethics. International Congress on Ethical, Legal and Societal Aspects of Digital Information

UNESCO is organising the above mentioned Infoethics Congress in co-operation with the French National Commission for UNESCO on the site of the Futuroscope of Poitiers, France, from 10 to 12 March 1997. The objectives, annotated agenda and title of the Congress were finalised by the Bureau at its last meeting. Speakers were invited to present papers on the different items of the agenda. The Minister of Post, Telecommunications and Space, France, (Ministre de la Poste, des télécommunications et de l'espace) accepted to be at the opening of the Congress. All countries are invited to send their representatives to the Congress.

Extrabudgetary financial assistance is expected from the French government, the Poitou region, the German Commission for UNESCO and the Agence de coopération culturelle et technique (ACCT). The meeting received support from the media; besides the professional publications (IFLA, FID, ICA and the Banque internationale d'information des états francophones (BIEF)), the French magazine Le Monde Diplomatique accepted to advertise the venue of the meeting and to publish the most interesting papers. The final working document is expected to be ready at the end of January. A background document on major ethical and legal issues facing libraries and information services was prepared in co-operation with IFLA.

1.8.3 PGI on the World Wide Web

A first edition of the CII website, including basic information on PGI's activities was made accessible through the INTERNET at the beginning of 1996 (http://www.unesco.org/cii). A new presentation is presently being elaborated which will be special in that it will provide information on the activities of the CII Sector including PGI and, at the same time, demonstrate the technical possibilities of the new networks and their virtual spaces; in particular, it will provide access to public sector information, and propose projects for the organisation of knowledge, and new forms of interaction, communication, and artistic creation. This site will present three areas: “The Virtual Memory of the World”, “Watch the Cyberspace” and “Media in the Virtual World”. The site will be informational, experimental and entertaining representing a model site for organizations, institutions and individuals in Member States of UNESCO who wish to acquire knowledge and competence in this field.

The “Virtual memory of the World” website presently being established with limited time, funds and staff available as an experimental proof-of-the-concept trial intended to demonstrate the possibilities of the new communication and information technologies for the Memory of the World Programme. In addition to the presentation of the Programme and its products, it will include experimental webpages presenting the “Memory of Central Asia” and a “Virtual Library of the Mediterranean”. The long range goal will be the establishment of a network of decentralized web sites in Member States, with UNESCO playing a catalytic, overall promotion and interlinking role.

2 PGI REGIONAL OFFICES

2.1 Bangkok

Based on the expressed needs and continuing analysis of emerging trends and demands in the region, PGI-Bangkok has responded through the following activities and programme components:

ASTINFO (Regional Network for Exchange of Information and Experiences in Science and Technology in Asia and the Pacific): As the core programme for scientific and technical information in the region, UNESCO continues to support the ASTINFO Consultative Meeting every two years, organized back-to-back with a regional seminar on a specific topic to provide in-depth discussions for the benefit of ASTINFO members planning new projects. The consultative meeting is the review and planning mechanism for ASTINFO members.

The ASTINFO Newsletter and the Web: As agreed during the 10th ASTINFO Consultative meeting, an ASTINFO homepage is being developed by the ASTINFO Co-ordinating Unit in the Philippines, which will later include the ASTINFO Newsletter. The prototype model is currently being developed and expected to be on the DOST Web-site before end of 1996. Later it is planned to develop the capacity of other ASTINFO members to develop their own homepages and to more effectively access information available on the INTERNET. The PGI-Bangkok experimental homepage set up in January 1996 is located at URL http://www.inet.co.th/cyberclub/dtorrij. This will be revised and integrated in the currently being developed UNESCO/ Bangkok homepage. Links have been established with the CII website.

Enhancing capacities of Member States: In the field of continuing education for library and information personnel, assistance has been provided to six countries (Bangladesh, Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, Nepal and Pakistan) to organize training workshops to upgrade the skills of library and information personnel. Regarding the promotion of partnerships with the private sector for developing marketable information products and services, a prototype model of an Engineering Information Service is being developed in partnership with DOST (Department of Science and Technology, Philippines), Engineering Information Inc. (U.S.A.) and PH-Net (a private information provider in the Philippines) with a view towards expanding the service to cover ASEAN and other interested Asian countries. This project has two major goals, namely (1) to provide a demonstration model on how to go about developing a fee-based service involving both government and private sector agencies, and (2) to improve the coverage of information generated by Asian countries in the world literature, which at present is estimated to be only 15-20%.

APINMAP, the Asia Pacific Information Network for Medicinal and Aromatic Plants has joined a project supported by the International Development Research Center (IDRC) to produce their products on CD-ROM. Some APINMAP members are already producing and marketing their products. APINMAP will gradually wind down its UNESCO-supported activities by end of this biennium, and continue those that the network can support on its own.

Improving downstream information services: Community-based pilot projects on information provision and promotion of literacy started in 1993/1994 in Laos, Philippines and Vietnam have been continued and expanded to other areas using local resources. In the Philippines the concept has been used in conceptualising the social reform agenda in 19 priority provinces; in Vietnam the concept has been used as the center piece of the cultural development programme implemented by the Ministry of Culture and Information and for promoting inter-ministerial co-operation. A plan is being developed involving the VNPT (Vietnam National Post and Telecommunication) and ITU to provide telecommunication facilities to the community. Pilot projects in Bangladesh and Indonesia have reportedly also been successful in bringing about greater community participation in community development activities.

MEMORY OF THE WORLD PROGRAMME and Archives: The Asia/Pacific group of countries are developing a data base of rare and endangered documentary heritage collections in the region. Support has also been provided to organize a training workshop in conjunction with the 13th International Congress on Archives, Beijing, August 1996.

Co-operation for Development: Actions taken have resulted in mobilizing extra-budgetary funds for a 5-year project on the “Reorganization of the Nepal National Library in support of Promotion of Literacy” funded by DANIDA (US$353,932). Additional support from the Japan Grant Assistance for Grassroots Projects is being negotiated to support the Pokhara Public Library component. Preliminary arrangements have also been made with a consortium of donors from Japan, which is currently considering funding the construction of a new building for the Nepal National Library in a site provided by the national government. Other initiatives include negotiation with national authorities to include library and information activities/projects in existing bilateral and multilateral co-operation programmes.

1. Caracas
2. The following activities have been developed by PGI/Caracas:
3. Computer Networks and Information Management Tools: PGI/Caracas has continued to stimulate the development of new applications and the distribution of the MicroIsis and IDAMS programme packages. The VII Regional Seminar for CDS/ISIS Distributors was organized (30 September to 4 October 1996, Cartagena, Colombia) with the participation of distributors from twenty-five Member States in the Region, as well as from Spain and Italy.

Regional Information Co-ordination Schemes : PGI/Caracas has continued to edit the INFOLAC Newsletter on a quarterly basis, which is delivered to 1 500 information institutions, principally in the Latin American and Caribbean region. PGI/Caracas convened in 1995 the fifth Consultation Meeting of INFOLAC in which the programme was restructured. The participants of the meeting recognized that INFOLAC is the most important regional forum for the co-ordination of information activities and it was emphasized that Member States not yet members of the INFOLAC Programme, should be invited to form part of this forum.

The endogenous production of CD-ROMs and the diffusion of new information technology has been carried out, with the active participation of the University of Colima, Mexico. A plan was drawn up with that University for the production of the following CD-ROMs :

• Latin America and the Caribbean Bibliographic Data Banks IV
• INFOLAC Newsletters
• INTERNET Interactive Course
• The Press in the XIX Century
• Latin American Anthology of Social Sciences
• National bibliographies of Latin America and the Caribbean
  

MEMORY OF THE WORLD PROGRAMME: PGI/Caracas has supported the Iberoamerican Meeting on Microfilm (Havana, Cuba, April 1995) and contributed to the organization of a Regional Workshop on Microfilm for five countries in the Region (Caracas, Venezuela, September 1996). In addition, PGI/Caracas supports the 19^th Century Press Project in the framework of the Regional Programme “Memory of Iberoamerica”, created by the Association of Iberoamerican National Libraries (ABINIA).

Promotion of the New Role of Public Library Networking: PGI/Caracas assisted in the organization of UNAL's Regional Seminar on “UNESCO's Associated Libraries and Community Development” attended by 20 Associated Libraries from six small Island States (Cienfuegos, Cuba, 17-21 June 1996). A consultant from the Venezuelan National Library was sent to Chile to assist in developing a pilot project for Chile's Public Libraries.

Support to Training Institutions and Programmes at International and Regional Levels: Support was given for the organization of the third Iberoamerican Meeting of Trainers and Researchers in Library, Archives and Information Science (Puerto Rico, 11-17 August 1996,). PGI/Caracas has promoted the creation of a Latin American and Caribbean Network for Schools of Library and Information Science.

Other Activities: Projects on university library automation at the Venezuelan Central University and 9 Universities in Nicaragua were supported by extrabudgetary funds. Technical support was given to the project on Information Education in Costa Rica, administered by the UNESCO Office in San José. PGI/Caracas collaborates with CRESALC/UNESCO in the co-ordination of the Commission on Information and Communications, within the framework of the Regional Conference on Higher Education (Havana, Cuba, 17-22 November 1996). Technical advice has also been given to modernize the library system at the University of the Amazon in Manaus (Brazil).