The 21st Century Information Society - The role of Library Associations

An international conference entitled "The 21st Century Information Society - The role of Library Associations" will be held in Budapest, Hungary, from 10 to 14 May 1998. The conference, a joint initiative of the Open Society Institute's Network Library Programme (OSI-NLP) and the Council of Europe, will bring together some 100 library association leaders from Central and Eastern Europe and the countries of the former Soviet Union.

The aim of the conference is to provide a forum for the discussion of issues of mutual concern and interest. The main themes to be addressed will include:

- The promotion of libraries;
- Library advocacy: working with local and national political leaders, community groups, etc. for the promotion of libraries and their cultural and administrative autonomy;
- Continuing education and professional training: the role of libraries;
- Professional ethics and intellectual freedom issues for libraries and librarians;
- the establishment and management of regional and local chapters of national library associations;
- Promotion of international standards for libraries;
- Research and cooperation: increasing the exchange of information and raising awareness of international, European and collaborative projects;
- Library legislation and national information policies.
For further information, please contact:

The Open Society Institute Network Library Programme
Ms. Rima Kupryte
Oktober 6 utca 12
H-1051 Budapest
Tel. +36-1-3273101; Fax +36-1-3273100
E-mail: kupryter@osi.hu