With the expansion of the World Wide Web during the last decade, libraries and their standards face an ever-complex environment, with new types, genres and forms of information resources. Changing information network structures and the emergence of new retrieval methods all play their roles. A three day conference was held in Lisbon, Portugal in March 2006, in order to review the current state of bibliographic standards and to discuss a number of questions in charting a future for their development.

With the expansion of the World Wide Web during the last decade, libraries and their standards face an ever-complex environment, with new types, genres and forms of information resources. Changing information network structures and the emergence of new retrieval methods all play their roles. A three day conference was held in Lisbon, Portugal in March 2006, in order to review the current state of bibliographic standards and to discuss a number of questions in charting a future for their development.

The information society and the information age are changing library services as well as library premises. This raises questions about what needs to be considered when planning and designing new library buildings in order to achieve attractive, efficient and future-oriented new library spaces. This new publication provides information and guidelines for the building planning process, whether you are planning a new public or academic library building. It reflects on fundamental issues, on new development trends and on the planning process. The library building process is seen from both the library manager's perspective as well as that of the architect and designer. Issues covered include what to consider when investigating the need for space, library design from a marketing viewpoint, green management and sustainability relating to library buildings and a layman's guide to reading plans. This publication and the IFLA guidelines provided are not seen as a traditional set of recommendations to be rigidly adhered to since this would be unrealistic in a fast-changing and global context. Rather, library managers and architects should read them in order to inform their thinking on key issues and establish a planning programme. They must then relate them to their own countries and circumstances by making the relevant local adjustments.

These papers focus on the topic of leadership in the library and information professions, providing an overview of institutes, programs and activities occurring around the world. Some are described in detail, outlining learning objectives, structure, recruitment and evaluation strategies; others summarise national and international initiatives. They will provide valuable insights to anyone interested in workforce planning strategies aimed at addressing current shortages of library leaders, as well as those who may have experienced difficulties recruiting to leadership positions and now want to explore the best ways of developing and equipping their own staff with skills to enable them to become the leaders of the future.

The changes brought about by the World Wide Web and the explosion of electronic media have called into question many of the assumptions on which national bibliographies have been founded. The need was growing of a route map to navigate through unchartes territories. After a preparation period of several years, IFLA ́s Bibliography Section endorsed this large set of guidelines. They seek to help national bibliographic agencies improve their bibliographic services. Many examples and references are included.

Addresses some of the latest developments in the marketing and management of libraries worldwide, recognizing the challenges to meet local needs in a global, information society. Describes successful programs designed to promote libraries within a community, nation, or academic community.