IFLA Offices for UAP and International Lending
c/o The British Library
Boston Spa, Wetherby
West Yorkshire LS23 7BQ
United Kingdom
Tel. 01937 546255
Fax. 01937 546478

OFFICES FOR UAP AND INTERNATIONAL LENDING

13 July 1998

I am writing to you on behalf of the International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) in my capacity as chair of the Publisher's Liaison Committee. IFLA notes with considerable interest the establishment of the International Coalition of Library Consortia (ICOLC). We note with particular pleasure the recent statement made by ICOLC entitled "Statement of Current Perspective and Preferred Practices for the Selection and Purchase of Electronic Information." I do believe that this statement is an important milestone in the development of information services in the electronic context.

IFLA shares the belief of ICOLC that the distinctive role of the library needs to be maintained, and, if possible, expanded in this new situation. IFLA also believes that realistic and sensible pricing mechanisms need to be put in place for the benefit of users, libraries and publishers. Whilst IFLA appreciates that the present situation is extremely fluid and therefore gives rise to considerable anxiety and inability to develop long term economic plans, nevertheless we believe that the only sensible way forward is for producers and users to work together to develop an environment in which all can achieve their goals and be of mutual benefit to one another. The information chain is just that and the links in it need to be strengthened rather than weakened. It is essential that no one element in this chain is put under too much strain or the whole ecology of the situation will be destroyed.

IFLA therefore welcomes this statement which it thoroughly supports and endorses. Although not itself a consortium, it represents libraries throughout the world, many of whom belong to such consortia or have the potential to develop new ones. We support the work which ICOLC is doing in bringing the various elements together so that a sensible and realistic future can be built for the benefit of all.

Yours faithfully

Graham P. Cornish
Chair, Publisher's Liaison Committee, IFLA