The Journal of Information Science and Technology Association
(Johono Kagaku to Gijutsu)
Vol. 55 （2005） ,　No.3
Special feature : Current issues of library consortia in international perspectives

Library consortia; the status quo and issues
　Kimio HOSONO, (Keio University (2-15-45 Mita Minato-ku Tokyo 108-8345 Japan))
　
Abstract : Library consortia for purchasing electronic journals became recognized as a vital part of academic information infrastructure at the research community. Leading institutions in North America and Western Europe take a variety of positive measures to promote consortium activities and formed unique consortia of many kinds. On the other hand, consortia in Japan are still in a developing stage and struggle to solve problems they face.
　　The factors that have led to the development of consortia are diverse among countries. Thus, this paper describes, first of all, definitions, aims, organizations, internal structures, policies and other characteristics of the consortia mainly in Western Europe. Then it shows characteristics of and issues faced by the consortia in Japan and the measures that will be taken to promote consortium activities.

　Keywords : library consortia / electronic journals / cooperative activities / Japan Association of National University Libraries / Private University Libraries Consortium / Western European consortia / FinELib / consortium structure / consortium activities

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Library consortiums in Southeast Asia
(Yumi KITAMURA (Center for Southeast Asian Studies, 46 Shimoadachi, Yoshida Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501 JAPAN))

　Abstract : This article explores the brief history of the library consortiums' formation in Southeast Asia with references to the social background of the region. Two types of library consortiums, inter-regional and national based, are defined and discussed. Examples of national based library consortiums from the Philippines and Thailand among other nations are included.

　Keywords : Southeast Asia / library consortiums / library networks / information sharing / Philippine / Thailand

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Library consortia in Canada
　
Masako INOUE (Pablic Services Division, Collections Department, Kansai-kan of the National Diet Library, 8-1-3 Seikadai, Seika-cho, Kyoto Prefecture, 619-0287 JAPAN)

　Abstract : In Canada, a number of library consortia have been developed from library cooperation to overcome many difficulties in library services resulted from Canadian geographical and cultural diversity. Though the scale of Canadian market and each Canadian consortium are relatively small, the big consortia that consist of such small consortia have established to realize the licensing of electronic information resources and the other purposes. Referring to the unique circumstances of Canadian library community, this article reports the activities and the achievements of Canadian consortia, i.e. CNSLP and Consortia Canada, which include the site licensing on national scale and the various forms of cooperation.

　Keywords : Canada / library / cooperation / consortium / consortia / national site licensing / CNSLP / Consortia Canada

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Public university library consortium and the ICOLC

Kenji AOKI, Natsuki NAGAI (Kobe City University of Foreign Studies Library, 9-1 Gakuen-higashi-machi, Nishi-ku Kobe 651-2187, Hyogo JAPAN)

　Abstract : The first consortium was approved as the public university library in April, 2003. This article is reported in detail, until public university consortium approval present activity.
　　And it's reporting about our problems that there are considerable gaps in the introduction of the electronic journals among the public university libraries, and considering its main causes.
　　Furthermore, it introduces the case from the 5th E-ICOLC and the 15th ICOLC for the reference of the activity in the future.

　Keywords : public university library / Public University Library Association / Public University Library Consortium / ICOLC / E-ICOLC / electronic journal

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Forming library consortium among private universities in Japan -Retrospectives and prospects-

　 Makoto NAKAMOTO (Head, Dept. of Administrative Services Waseda University Library (1-6-1, Nishiwaseda, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 169-8050 JAPAN))
　
Abstract : Current status and situation on the introduction and use of electronic journals and online databases by Private University Libraries Consortium (PULC) are reported.

　Keywords : library consortium / electronic journal / online database / private university library

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