The Physics-Astronomy-Mathematics Asia-Pacific Forum: a network for librarians and information specialists
Abstract
Non-commercial astronomical publications have been freely distributed world wide to relevant institutions for more than a century. Astronomers have considered collaboration a very important aspect of their work and, to assist them, librarians have established a supportive international network. In 1988 the first Library and Information Services in Astronomy meeting was held in Washington, USA. From this meeting, a discussion list was established. Shortly afterwards, the lack of resources for astronomers in the former Eastern Block countries was realised and the twinning of libraries in this region with sister institutions in developed countries was introduced. These resources were not available for libraries in the Asia Pacific Region. The Physics Astronomy, Mathematics Division (PAM) of the Special Libraries Association, working with the Australian Library and Information Association founded the PAM-Asia Pacific Forum (PAM-APF) in 1998. This paper will discuss the aims of this network, the advantages offered by publishers to participating libraries, achievements so far and proposed developments.
- Publication:
-
IAU General Assembly
- Pub Date:
- 2001
- Bibcode:
- 2001IAUGA..24..363R
- Keywords:
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- Astronomy;
- Libraries;
- Information Services