Report on the 2nd International Conference on Repository Libraries: Preserving and maintaining availability of print material. The role of repository libraries

Abstract

Purpose

To introduce the papers presented at the 2nd International Conference on Repository Libraries, organised by the Finnish National Repository Library and sponsored by IFLA, with many leading institutions participating in programme planning.

Design/methodology/approach

Provides a brief outline of each paper, discussing the state of health of repository libraries of any kind: national, academic, shared, etc.

Findings

Participating librarians presented a feasible future model, which has been called “URL” (“Universal Repository Library”), which encompassed the following characteristics: digital delivery 24/7 to end‐users; information for free (or support of minimal charges); performance and retention of public agreements; focus on existing strengths with multilingual approaches; virtual union catalogue linking repository catalogues; strong local support of regional repositories; international focal points; and the development of local support to bridge into URL.

Originality/value

The creation of a model of repository libraries for today, the near future and the distant future.

Citation

Di Tillio, C. (2005), "Report on the 2nd International Conference on Repository Libraries: Preserving and maintaining availability of print material. The role of repository libraries", Library Management, Vol. 26 No. 1/2, pp. 7-9. https://doi.org/10.1108/01435120510572806