International co-operation: the role of the IFLA Offices for UAP and International Lending

Abstract

The IFLA Programme for UAP (Universal Availability of Publications) is one of the core programmes within IFLA and is particularly concerned with document supply and interloans activities. Briefly notes three aspects of its work: practical support for libraries actively involved in international lending; collecting and disseminating information in the field; and conducting research projects. Projects include: the IFLA Voucher Scheme, as an alternative payment method for interloans and which currently involves over 150 libraries in 30 countries; the IFLA Twinning Database, as a focus for libraries interested in forming twinning links with other libraries; involvement in the COPEARMS Project (Co-ordinating Project for Electronic Authors’ Rights Management Systems) for the development of Electronic Rights Management Systems (ERMS); involvement in the Copy Smart project, aimed at developing an industrial low cost solution for implementing IPR management based on the CITED model; and work undertaken as part of the SEDODEL (SEcure DOcument DELivery for blind and partially sighted people) project. Concludes that the IFLA Programme for UAP is gradually eroding many of the barriers preventing widespread availability of publications but still faces problems, particularly those involving new technologies and developing