Project EIFL Direct in Lithuania By Ausra Vaskeviciene Martynas Mazvydas National Library of Lithuania, Lithuanian Research Library Consortium

The outline of the report Description of the Consortium Libraries’ computerization overview and some statistical data Project eIFL Direct in Lithuania: the Questionnaire and Results Overview Current Situation and Future Plans

The overpast situation of the Consortium The first Consortium was established in 1993 with 21 libraries: –to combine libraries’ activities in implementation of the Lithuanian Integrated Library Information System (LIBIS) –creation of the Union Catalogue –not a legal body –no scheme for collecting funds

The establishment of the Lithuanian Research Library Consortium (LMBA) as an outcome of the eIFL project Is a legal body, the official registration is over 23 Lithuanian research libraries and library institutions Membership in the LMBA is open to all research libraries of the country Possibility to participate in particular Consortium activities is foreseen for non- member libraries

The main objectives of the Consortium are Promoting of the creation of virtual libraries, preparation and implementation of advanced technology and innovative projects in the libraries; Subscription to electronic databases for the Consortium members and other libraries; Co-ordination of the acquisition of foreign periodicals among research libraries; Encouragement of the professional development of librarians; Co-operation with foreign and international library associations and other organisations with a relevant profile.

Are we ready for digital information

# of computerized workplaces for readers in questioning Lithuanian libraries (2001)

The subscriptions to databases in Lithuanian libraries (2002)

Statistical data: EBSCO logins

Usage of EBSCO Publishing

Project eIFL Direct in Lithuania From 1999 up to the summer of 2001 the co-ordinator of this project in our country was the Open Society Fund Lithuania There was no agreement between libraries - registered eIFL Direct users From the summer 2001 the co-ordination of project was moved to LMBA Questionnaire was distributed to 22 libraries. A total of 18 answers has been received

The overwiev of the results according to the guestioning

Does the content of EBSCO meet the needs of library’s users?

Does the library have enough computers to search EBSCO?

Do you use EBSCO only in the library?

What are the types of promotion? Library’s Web-site Notes in the reading rooms and notice board s Publications - a total in years Recommendations of academic staff or friends Individual consultations Trainings –# of training in –# of training in

Do you analyze statistical data of EBSCO Publishing usage?

Other comments Users have a pleasure in searching EBSCO Publishing Respondents with pleasure noted that the content of EBSCO Publishing is growing up There were suggestions to include publications in other languages, not only in English Not all librarians and users observed changes in the medical databases of EBSCO Publishing

Other comments (continue) There were the problems with PDF reading because of slow internet connection Users would like to find more back issues The respondents wished good luck for coordinator It would be nice to have EBSCO interface in Lithuanian :)

Current Situation Since the beginning of 2002 databases overview and EBSCO training are available in the National Library every Wednesday The audience is library users, librarians, and other information specialists Librarians – EBSCO administrators can get individual consultations The problem of administration was discussed in 6 libraries – eIFL Direct participants

Future Plans To implement project “Creating the Lithuanian Research Libraries Consortium Infrastructure” (see eIFL Web site members only area) The project foresees: –Creation LMBA corporate style and Web site –Seria of trainings –Publishing and promotion activities –Other To ensure financial support from the Government of Lirthuania

The impact of the project EBSCO Publishing is good solution: the database covers not one subject and the content is growing up Project eIFL Direct was a teacher: For the past two years the Lithuanian librarians have learned how to manage electronic information

Thank you for attention ! and Are there any questions?