UNICA Librarian Seminar Helsinki Discussion Groups Breakout Group 1 18 May 2006

Participants Breakout Group 1 Chair: Ayris Paul (University College London) Rapporteur: Vanouplines Patrick (Vrije Universiteit Brussel) Members: Absalon Michèle (Université Pierre & Marie Curie) Forsman Maria (University of Helsinki) Frey Jeannette (Université de Lausanne) Geerlings Paul (Vrije Universiteit Brussel) Kaiponen Pälvi (University of Helsinki) Magarotto Adriana (Università di Roma “La Sapienza”) Neuvonen Ulla (University of Helsinki) Petrakj Jelka (University of Zagreb) Petrauskiene Zibute (Vilnius University) Seissl Maria (Vienna University)

Question / Item 1 Support issues for libraries in terms of language support in the context of student mobility

Regarding Question / Item 1 Are there support issues … Some universities have multi-lingual provision as a policy (but often nor students, nor teachers are native English speakers) Some offer language courses In Belgium, courses leading to a diploma of the Flemish Community must be organised in Dutch Use of English as lingua franca only appropriate at Master’s level and joint programmes Libraries can support the language issue by offering their web sites in multiple languages Cost is major issue

Question / Item 2 Mutual access to libraries and use of library services

Regarding Question / Item 2 Pan-European borrowing scheme and access Two schools: –Where national schemes exist, less concern –Where universities currently restrict access, European schemes would be difficult Main issue is that students are registered locally We recognise license problems for local access: does the EC have role here? There should be no barriers for students from other countries / universities RECOMMENDATION The experience of all students should be equitable, regardless of the country of origin

Question / Item 3 Co-ordination of library practices What does the Bologna process mean to libraries ?

Regarding Question / Item 3 Co-ordination of library practices Yes, but … –Library associations are (often only) staffed with volunteers –A single library card valid in the libraries of one city is already difficult RECOMMENDATION 1 –Library to library discussions are easier, co-ordination to be performed by LIBER ? –Library to university discussions are difficult, co-ordination maybe UNICA to lead (but then there is the restriction to capital cities only…) ? RECOMMENDATION 2 –action group is to be established