Bibliography '84 : papers and proceedings of a COMLA regional workshop

Abstract

The library scene in Malta is characterised by a shortage of professional staff and an absence of institutional training for library and information science students. The non-availability of this professional framework seriously hampers the development of a professionally manned library service. The Għaqda Bibljotekarji, Malta's library association, has tried to fill some of the gaps by periodically organising basic courses in library techniques and information work for teacher-librarians and other persons working in libraries. The Gfiaqda has also held a number of short summer courses, seminars and workshops. One such workshop was organised by the Gfiaqda Bibljotekarji jointly with the Commonwealth Library Association (COM LA). Thetopicofthe Workshop was "the compilation, organisation and production of bibliographies and other bibliographic tools". For four days, 22 librarians, including two from Cyprus, examined the aims and the tools of bibliographic control. The Workshop was conducted by Mrs. Dorothy Anderson, an eminent bibliographer who was until recently Director of IFLA's International Office for Universal Bibliographic Control (UBC). While the Workshop highlighted the need for standardization in international bibliographic control, the Gfiaqda Bibljotekarji was proud to launch the first-ever edition of Malta's national bibliography. Although Bibljografija Nazzjonali ta' Malta/ Malta National Bibliography is a project of the National Library of Malta, the Editorial Board is made up of our professional librarians who are active members of our association. It is my earnest hope that the various points discussed and recommendations adopted during the Workshop will be followed up. In an age when the control and organisation of information are of the utmost importance both to states and to individuals, the control of bibliographic tools assumes added relevance. Finally, it is with a deep sense of honour and pleasure that I tender my acknowledgements and thanks to the Commonwealth Library Association of the total financial support it has given to the Għaqda Bibljotakarji; to Mr. John Allen, theCOMLARegional Vice-President for Europe; to Mrs. Dorothy Anderson for the hard work she put in; and to Prof. G.P. Xuereb, Rector of the University of Malta, for providing the facilities to hold the Workshop atthe University. [Foreword by Joseph R. Grima]