International Conference and Workshop on Multimedia Digital Library, CDNLAO Newsletter 38

No. 38, June 2000

(News from the National Library of Malaysia)

International Conference and Workshop
on Multimedia Digital Library:
Global Access and National Identity,
16-18 August 1999, Grand Seasons Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

In conjunction with the 65th IFLA Council and General Conference on 20-28, August 1999 in Bangkok, Thailand, the National Library of Malaysia with the Cooperation of the Librarians Association of Malaysia and Universiti Putra Malaysia has organised an International Conference and Workshop on Multimedia Digital Library with the theme Global Access and National Identity from 16-18 August 1999 at the Grand Seasons Hotel, Kuala Lumpur. Y.B. Dato Leo Moggie, Minister of Energy, Communications & Multimedia has kindly officiated the opening ceremony. A total of 229 participants comprising of senior librarians, library directors, information personnel, teachers, lecturers, publishers, students and officers from the public and private sectors attended the conference.

The first National Conference on Multimedia Digital Library with the theme Meeting National Information Needs Towards the 21st Century was organised by the National Library of Malaysia and libraries in Malaysia in 1996. The main objectives of the conference were to create awareness amongst information managers and policy makers about multimedia digital library and promote a network of multimedia digital libraries in Malaysia. This second conference focussed on managing digital libraries and publishing local information content electronically for global access. Eighteen conference papers were delivered by 18 distinguished local and foreign speakers. A one-day Workshop on Metadata / Digital Object Identifier was conducted by Mr. Terry Kuny, Senior Research Consultant IFLANET/UDT Core Programme, International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA).

Amongst the fundamental issues identified during the conference were:

To use standards in the planning and development of digital libraries.

To provide an interactive and consumer driven library services.

To develop local multimedia information content.

To systematically plan a continuous training programmes for librarians and library users in the digital environment.

To educate library staff and users on copyright.

To establish a library consortium to negotiate with publishers, information providers for cheaper and easier access to information.

Apart from the conference, the participants also visited the Mara Institute of Technology Library in Shah Alam, Selangor. A dinner/cultural show was hosted by the Subang Jaya Municipal Council, Selangor. The participants expressed their satisfaction at the conference/workshop and the cultural entertainment.