Date: Sun, 1 May 2005 12:16:55 +0530 From: Subbiah Arunachalam 19 National libraries in Europe resolve to digitize books European libraries join forces against Google global virtual library, TurkishPress.com, April 27, 2005. An unsigned news story. Excerpt: 'Nineteen European national libraries have joined forces against a planned communications revolution by Internet search giant Google to create a global virtual library, organisers said Wednesday. The 19 libraries are backing instead a multi-million euro counter-offensive by European nations to put European literature online. "The leaders of the undersigned national libraries wish to support the initiative of Europe's leaders aimed at a large and organised digitisation of the works belonging to our continent's heritage," a statement said....The statement was signed by national libraires in Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Slovenia, Slovakia, Spain and Sweden. The British National Library has given its implicit support to the move, without signing the motion, while Cyprus and Malta have agreed verbally to the text. Portugal is also set to approve it.' ------ When will libraries in the developing countries start work on making available their collections online and via open access? I urge all friends in Asia, Africa and Latin America to mount focused advocacy aimed at their national level policy makers. In India, Prof. N Balakrishnan (known as Balki) leads a team that aims to digitise a million books (in different languages). Prof. Adama Samasekou, Unesco, NEPAD, UNECA and other agencies should strive hard to get all of Africa's printed literature on to the digitised virtual library. Best wishes. Arun MSSRF, Chennai