2007.03.08 - Electronic libraries in Syria

PRESS RELEASE
March 5, 2007

Electronic libraries in Syria

The European Commission TEMPUS-MEDA programme has agreed to fund a 12-month study to produce a strategic framework for digital libraries in Syrian Higher Education. The objective of the project, named SYReLIB, is to provide a sound basis for action towards the development of modern electronic library and information services in Syrian universities, undertaking pilot projects in Aleppo University and Al Ba’ath University in Homs that will act as a model for other universities. Several expert-facilitated training workshops will raise academic and library staff awareness and competence, and a long-term plan for library staff training and qualification to meet needs in the area of electronic library services will be prepared. The exchange of experience and best practice with universities from the European Union will underpin a proposal for a wider project. The project partners are the Robert Gordon University, Middlesex University, and eIFL.net, an international consortium of library consortia in 50 developing countries that supports national consortia in negotiating for commercial electronic information services and advocates the development of locally-produced digital resources.

Further information:
Professor Ian Johnson,
Associate Dean, Aberdeen Business School,
The Robert Gordon University,
Garthdee Road, Aberdeen AB10 7QE.
Telephone: (01224) 263902;
Fax: (01224) 263553;
E-mail: i.m.johnson[at]rgu.ac.uk

Rima Kupryte, Director
Electronic Information for Libraries (eIFL)
c/o ADN Kronos, Piazza Mastai 9
00153 Rome, Italy
Tel: +(39)(06)5807216/17
E-mail: rima.kupryte[at]eifl.net
www.eifl.net

Notes for Editors

eIFL
eIFL.net is an international foundation which supports national library consortia in fifty transition and developing countries to negotiate and advocate for the wide availability of electronic resources to education, research and professional communities as well as governmental organisations and civil society. This global network embraces millions of users in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, the former Soviet Union and the Middle East.