The Bielefeld University has, since its inauguration in 1968, run its library on highly-sophisticated data-processing systems and, as first university in Germany, has included electronic media in its library network, starting with the installation of a CD-ROM network in 1989. Since 1998 Bielefeld University Library is project leader for the state project on developing the Digital Library North-Rhine Westphalia. The Digital Library North-Rhine Westphalia is operational since August 1999 and is not only serving as Digital Library for the State Universities and Colleges but with all non-licensed services to the general public in Europe. It is integrating the access to printed and electronic documents to any kind of information supply including commercial publications as electronic journals of Elsevier, Springer etc. to book trade services like Amazon and many other services.
The British Council, as the United Kingdom’s International Organisation for educational and cultural relations, supports and encourages professional contact in an international context. As a major contributor in the field of international information transfer, the British Council represents Britain through its global network of libraries and information centres which take full advantage of modern technology, including public access to the Internet and its own WWW service, in providing information about the UK.
Tilburg University is well-known for its digital library services and its advanced ICT infrastructure. Hundreds of electronic journals and other information sources can be accessed on campus or from workplaces elsewhere. The university library is one of the most modern libraries in Europe and is a trailblazer when it comes to using ICT applications in scientific information supply. Its integrated desktops - PCs connected to the university network - are part of an open, but uniform ICT infrastructure that is centrally managed. Tilburg University Library recently successfully finished the DECOMATE II project. The main goal of this project was to develop an end-user service which provides access to heterogeneous information resources distributed over different libraries in Europe using a uniform interface, leading to a working demonstrator of the European Digital Library for Economics.
Ticer, which was founded by Tilburg University, makes the university's expertise available to third parties.
Ticer specialises in innovations in information supply. It offers consultancy and support at all levels of management in the transition from a traditional information service to modern electronic information supply. For example, Ticer can help organisations develop a strategy, manage processes of change, design an ICT infrastructure, develop digital collections, draw up licensing policies, publish electronic documents, develop end-user services, manage databases, and secure their information. To ensure perfect results, Ticer appeals to experienced administrators, managers, and professionals.
In addition to its expertise in consultancy and in interim and project management, Ticer also offers courses and seminars. A digital library offers unlimited potential. To help familiarise your personnel with the concept, Ticer organises tailor-made practical courses and seminars designed to meet your specific needs. Ticer also offers in-house training. Every year, Ticer organises the International Summer School on the Digital Library, which is aimed at middle and higher management. The summer school focuses on managing the change process towards the library of the future, digital libraries and the changing world of education and electronic publishing (libraries as buyers, facilitators, or producers).
For more information about Ticer services, projects, courses and seminars: www.ticer.nl
