THE REPUBLIC OF MALDIVES. Development project for the National Library Ï.IIH1. A 0/ %l. by György Rózsa

Transcription

1 Restricted Technical Report PP/ /5/10.1/05 THE REPUBLIC OF MALDIVES Participation in the activities of Member States in the field of information Development project for the National Library by György Rózsa % A 0/ %l Serial No. FMR/PGI/82/179 Ï.IIH1 United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization Paris, 1983

2 THE REPUBLIC OF MALDIVES DEVELOPMENT PROJECT FOR THE NATIONAL LIBRARY by György R6zsa Report prepared for the Government of The Republic of Maldives by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) UNESCO

3 Technical Report RP/ /5/10.l/05 FMR/PGl/82/179(Rózsa) 31 December, 1982 Unesco 1983 Printed in France

4 CONTENTS I. INTRODUCTION 3 General background 3 II. MAIN FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS 4 The National Library and its short history 4 Other libraries in the Maldives 6 Manpower, training 7 Collection building 8 Physical facilities 10 Budget 10 Phases of development 11 Committee for Library and Information Resources 12 III. RECOMMENDATIONS 12 ANNEXES I. Outline of a Library Act 15 II. List of persons consulted in Male and Colombo 16 Page

5 - 3 - I. INTRODUCTION 1. At the request of the Government of the Maldives the Director-General of Unesco arranged for a mission to be undertaken to that country under the Organization's programme of participation for , from 17 July to 7 August 1982, with the following terms of reference: (a) make an initial survey of existing library resources; (b) assess the future needs of manpower resources and physical facilities; (c) provide the existing library staff with a basic on-the-job training; (d) elaborate recommendations concerning the reorganization and overall upgrading of the National Library, including definition of long-term and immediate objectives, justification, activities and inputs for a project proposal for possible bilateral or multilateral assistance. 2. In the execution of the tasks set out above, the consultant collaborated with the head of the National Library of the Maldives. 3. On his return the consultant spent two and a half days in Colombo to discuss some of the problems connected with the mission. He called on the Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme, Mr Y.Y. Kim, and, on the initiative of. the UNDP office, he also visited the National Library which is being built with Unesco support. During consultations with Mr Kim it was mentioned that if, at a later date, the opportunity arose for the National Library to join in a regional library project, it would certainly be worth while to do so. The consultant had discussions with Mr Fernando Lakshman, Programme Officer of UNDP, who deals with Unesco affairs. On his initiative and at the request of the Director of the National Library of Sri Lanka, which is being built with Unesco support, informal exploratory talks were held with the National Library's leading staff members in the library building under construction. The consultant broadly informed colleagues, in answer to their inquiries, about his experiences in the Maldives. General background 4. One cannot approach the problems arising in connection with the National Library and with culture in general, without a knowledge of some facts and data relating to the topography of the country. 5. The Maldives is a Republic consisting of an archipelago of atolls. The twenty-one atolls take up approximately 100,000 km 2 of water-surface in the Indian Ocean, but the land area is merely 300 km 2. The atolls consist of about 1,200 islands, of which only 200 are inhabited. The total population is about 150,000, of which 40,000 live in the capital. Male is perhaps the most densely populated capital of the world (part of the population lead a nomadic life at sea). It is about one and a half hours' flight from Colombo and India. The inhabitants are 100 per cent Moslem (Sunnites), their national language, the Divehi, belonging to the Arabic family of lanaguages, is only spoken in the Maldives. The country has been independent since 1965 (previously it was a British Protectorate). Economically it is not developed. As regards its per capita national income it is one of those twenty-five countries of the world where this is lowest. The country's main sources of income are fishing, shipping and tourism. Culturally, the national book and newspaper production is small, its national literature is yet unformed. The basis of education is the community school, its school system being operated with Unesco co-operation (Educational Development Centre). Eighty-two to 84 per

6 - 4 - cent of the population can be regarded as literate. The government plans to achieve full literacy within five years. This unusually high standard of literacy in a developing country masks numerous cultural problems, as there is very little opportunity to practise reading and writing. The lack of organized reading facilities (library services) has an injurious effect on the whole of education and culture. It seems that one of the key issues of the country's development is the solution of this problem, which is also reflected by the government's recognition of the necessity to establish a national library, and to plan its development. 6. The starting-point, therefore, for the appraisal of the situation and perspectives of the Maldives National Library which is, to a large extent, identical with the problem of organizing the country's reading opportunities is the following. We have here a geographically rather isolated, extremely scattered population, living on a very small territory, overcrowded in the capital, isolated also in its language, and with very limited economic means, which is to be provided with a library service and reading matter. This has a bearing on education, general culture, science and technology as well. II. MAIN FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS The National Library and its short history 7. At present, the National Library exists only in name, and even that only since 1 June 1982, when Presidential Decree No. 55/1982 was issued. This, due to its significance, deserves to be quoted verbatim. 'The changing of the name of the Majeedi Library. The President has changed the name of Majeedi Kuthubukhana to "The National Library" today, 1 June He has made this change for the reason that basically state-owned libraries are given names connecting them with the nation, such as National Library. The title "Majeedi Library" could lead to confusion as it does not indicate whether the library is a state-owned library or a private library.' 8. This Decree can certainly be regarded as the starting-point of the development of reading and library services in the Maldives. 9. But the National Library has still to go a long way before it can perform the many functions, and fulfil the numerous obligations which are bestowed upon it. 10. The National Library of the Maldives was founded by the late Amir Mohamed Amin Didi in the year The name of the library was Majeedi Library. It was a stateowned library sponsored by the government, and to be eligible for membership one must be literate in the Arabic, English or Urdu language. The membership fee was Rs. 2/-. The library was open to members only. 11. The National Library has no library environment, no public demand for library. information based on reading habits. It has no organized environment developed for education. The National Library has to establish all these by itself. Structure and existing resources 12. The National Library has no organizational statutes, or rules, and this it could hardly have, for want of an accepted functional system. Personnel and budgetary resources are very poor.

7 There are in principle three main sections, according to the languages: for the Arabic and Urdu books; for the English books; for the Maldivian books. Budget 14. This is in the order of Rs. 4,000 (US $1=7 Rufia Rs) per annum for the purchase of books (Divehi and English). Staff 15. Originally there used to be a 'Veriya' or library chief, but there was no librarian, nor were there any clerks. Then the need for English correspondence arose and a secretary was included in the registry. Later on, in 1979, a librarian was also added to the registry. In 1981 the post of the chief was abolished, and the library functioned under the administration of the librarian and the secretary. 16. Present staff comprise: one librarian; two assistant librarians (one for Arabic, Urdu, Maldivian books; one for English books); one English-speaking secretary who is also responsible for financial matters; two English-speaking clerks (at the moment there is only one); three other clerks. 17. There is no qualified librarian on the staff. The English-speaking secretary has taken a three weeks' librarianship introduction course in Male under an Asia Foundation project, given by Mrs A. Betts, United States librarian. The librarian of the Majeedi Library, Habeeba Hussain Habeeb (Mrs Zubair) also attended this course. She visited the FAO library in Bangkok under a special travel expense programme for study tours, and worked there for a short period of ten days. Collections 18. There are a good number of Arabic, Urdu and also Maldivian books. These include approximately 1,000 Arabic, 5,000 English books, and not less than 700 Urdu books. Many changes took place between 1945 and 1979, and the total number has been increased by a number of books received when the British Military Library was abolished in Gan Island, and the books were donated to the Majeedi Library. At present there are more than 10,000 books, periodicals and magazines. 19. Current titles of periodicals include The Economist, The Times, Indian and Foreign Review, Overseas Weekly Dawn, Pakistan Economist, China Pictorial, World Health, The New Republic, The Muslim World, US News and World Report and three Urdu periodicals received on a subscription-free basis. Two subscription magazines should be added to the above-mentioned periodicals: Newsweek and Time. The total number of current periodicals is sixteen (thirteen English and three Urdu). There are no periodicals on information and library science. The collection of books and

8 - 6 - periodicals is not systematically developed. Such a development needs trained staff, an adequate budget and reference material. Building equipment 20. The National Library functions under poor conditions in an unsuitable, inadequately equipped building. It is situated on the central road of the city (Majeedi Magu) in an externally attractive building, but only four of its rooms are at the National Library's disposal, the other rooms serving the purposes of another office. The present situation is unsatisfactory, both functionally and from the protection aspect of the book-stock. The National Library comprises a reading room (supplied with periodicals and a few tables), a larger but practically empty room where three librarians work, and two rooms containing book-cases. Its total ground space is m 2. The seating capacity of the reading room could be increased even under the present cramped conditions. 21. Old-fashioned book-cases serve as the basis of furnishing, completed by a few shelves and one card index system. The National Library has no up-to-date equipment (e.g. reproduction facilities). Its present arrangements and furnishing cannot be attractive for any type of reader. Services 22. The services of the National Library correspond to the possibilities offered by its accommodation, collection, budget, and the qualifications of its librarians. There are reading facilities on the premises for a limited number of people (thirty readers are registered), and there is also a lending service to government offices, but the volumes of even this small collection are not easily accessible for want of a clear arrangement of stock and a cataloguing system (they are introducing Dewey classification). As a consequence, even the use of those early Arabic editions of works (mainly on religious subjects) which would presumably be valuable for research, is uncertain. Accommodation, equipment, satisfactory organization of book-stock, and the building up of a catalogue would provide an up-to-date public and special library service. Other libraries in the Maldives 23. The National Library can work with the following libraries (their addresses are shown within brackets): Madjeediya School Library (Ameer Ahmed Magu); Ameeriya School Library (Chandhanee Magu); English Preparatory School Library (Chandhanee Magu); Science Education Centre (Chandhanee Magu); M.I.D. Library (Ameer Ahmed Magu); Educational Development Centre Library (Sosun Magu); National Planning Agency Library (Ameer Ahmed Magu). 24. As is apparent from the above list, there are, in general, two types of libraries in the Maldives: school and special libraries. Thus, although small in number, there are libraries working.. Of these, for instance, the Library of the

9 - 7 - Educational Development Centre is, considering the circumstances, a well-equipped reference library, with an efficiently organized collection, systematic acquisition, a catalogue, and pleasant accommodation. This is an establishment sponsored by Unesco, and on the subject of education there would hardly be any need for the National Library to provide special literature. Hence, to a modest degree the National Library can count on support in respect of subjects such as schooling, educational science and economics, but in the cultural field it has hardly any partners. Needs 25. What was said in the preceding paragraphs broadly outlines the needs as well. These needs exist in every respect, and their satisfaction can, presumably, be only gradual. In planning to satisfy requirements this gradualness has to be taken into consideration but without losing sight of the whole, and priorities must be established. There can be no doubt that the priority of priorities is training: without this no progress can be made. Manpower, training 26. Due to the complete absence of qualified librarians in the country, it is necessary, first of all, to create urgently a team of librarians who can take responsibility in library planning, organization, management, become adept at the different working processes of a library (acquisition, processing, etc.) and is then able to train the new candidates for librarianship. 27. For the realization of this many-sided training programme, it is advisable, instead of the usual training abroad, to utilize these opportunities only in special cases, and to provide local training with the assistance of foreign experts supplemented by on-the-job training. This means, that within the framework of programmes taking three to four months, the National Library can train groups of ten to fifteen for its own use, in addition to staff for other libraries already in existence, or those to be established. These courses should have a special syllabus including planning, management and technical know-how. Special courses can be organized, for example, on. the subject of bibliographic knowledge, acquisition, and processing. Only those librarians who already took part and distinguished themselves in the local training system should be sent for study abroad for practical training of three to six weeks' duration, or for such special training as, for example, the conservation of documents, skills which can only be acquired in a laboratory abroad. 28. The consultant provided an introduction to the three National Library colleagues within the framework of an on-the-job training programme, on the subjects of: the most important professional periodicals to be obtained; international organizations' sources of supply; and, essential reference works to be acquired. 29. The National Library's staff requirements are the following: one Director (chief librarian) (planning, overall management); one administrative assistant; one finance officer; three special librarians (for national depository library functions);

10 - 8 - three special librarians children's librarian); (for public library functions, including one two special librarians (for methodology and networking); two clerical members of staff (binding, conservation); one clerical member of staff (microreproduction, xerography); two clerical members of staff (for the stack services); two general clerical members of staff. 30. The above makes a total of eighteen staff members (nine librarians and nine others for varying administrative and technical duties). The task of the two special librarians for methodology and networking would be to co-operate, partly in the capital, but principally on the islands, in the creation of libraries (reading facilities), and in strengthening those already in existence. It is advisable that mobile libraries for the islands, to be organized within the framework of schools or cultural centres, should become branches of the National Library. Their stock, volumes, would be changed every two to three months, and they would work under the supervision of National Library staff. 31. It is to be noted in connection with training that some of the librarians working at present have taken study tours abroad for short periods (mainly in Bangkok, at the Regional Educational Office of Unesco), among them the librarian of the National Library, and the librarian of the Educational Development Centre. In Male, the only organized training course so far has been one held in March 1982, a three-weeks' course with seven participants conducted by Mrs Ardith Betts of the Asia Foundation (California, United States of America). 32. It would seem appropriate to organize both the training of librarians and the national requirements for library staff within the framework of the National Library. Collection building 33. The present stock of 10,000 (of which 1,500 are recorded as 'magazines') is not the result of systematic collection, and therefore it is unsuitable for reference or other library services. The stock of a transformed, developed National Library has to be suitable equally to provide a basis for the traditional function of a national library ('Maldiviana'), the functions of a special library (scientific and technical literature, according to the needs of the country) and the function of a public library (to provide reading matter for the widest reading public). To achieve this, the first step should be the processing of the present stock. Unsuitable or obsolete material has to be discarded and a revised catalogue must be devised. Types of work 34. In view of the National Library's future treble function (national, special and public library) and the gradualness of its stock-building, it would be appropriate to envisage the following. (a) National Library stock. Collect all documents published in the Maldives, including audio-visual material, and all documents about or in connection

11 - 9 - with the country, published abroad. Domestic documents must be acquired through a copyright deposit system. (b) (c) Special library stock. This must first of all serve the economic interests of the country. Books, periodicals and other documents dealing with fishing, shipping, tourism and all material connected with these activities, should be collected on a strictly selective basis. Monographs, chosen according to their relevance to the culture of the country, on ethnographic, geographical subjects, and on the history of art, should also be included. The most important reference works, encyclopedias, bibliographies, directories must be made available. It seems appropriate to take over the role of depository library for international organizations (the United Nations family, regional international organizations, e.g. the Colombo Plan). Last but not least, the more important monographs, reports, series and periodicals on the subject of librarianship and information science also belong to the National Library's field of interest. Public library stock. There is less to say about this as its pre-condition is the development of a vernacular literature and a national book production. A sizeable public library stock is extremely important because as a consequence of the low level of income and unfavourable housing conditions, even if there were a substantial national book production, one could not expect much individual purchase. A significant amount of children's and juvenile literature, translation of foreign fiction, popular historical and geographical works, and non-fiction material of a great variety and abundance is necessary. The creation of this collection would be the subject of a different study. But what can be mentioned here in the interest of speeding up and intensifying the national book production, is that it would be feasible to produce reading matter in the Divehi language, in a few hundred copies, using the least expensive and simplest photostatic-electrostatic reproduction methods within the framework of the National Library, exclusively for library use, and thus launch organized reading. The structure and number of volumes 35. On the information presently available, data concerning the national and public library stock can hardly be realistically assessed. These would be determined by the national literature and national book production. Furthermore, it will have to be decided whether the National Library will serve its readers and lend only in Male and on its own premises, or whether it will have one or two branches in the capital and also supply the mobile libraries working on the islands. In the National Library's case it seems feasible, in the interest of concentrating resources, to interpret the public library functions widely. 36. As far as the special library stock is concerned, ideas can be defined. Considering the scarcity of reference books, annual acquisition (mainly Englishlanguage specialized literature) should be planned the following way: books: periodicals: volumes magazines, journals, reviews (by subscription and gift). 37. At least 20 per cent of the books should be reference material. Textbooks are needed on the economic, activities of the country, and priority should be given to books connected with regional policies, economics, geography. The provision of

12 volumes should include the publications of international organizations, such as the United Nations World Economic Survey, statistics issued by FAO, Unesco, etc. The collection of publications on education should be left to Unesco-sponsored public education institutions working in Male. 38. In relation to periodicals, many library information science periodicals can almost certainly be acquired free of charge (e.g. FID News Bulletin). It is worth while to apply for accession lists of some large libraries for information, and possibly for guidance (e.g. the British Library of Political and Economic Science). Periodicals of international organizations are likewise a rich source of information and for analysis, on economics, technology and agriculture. Development science periodicals, and in general those concerned with developing countries (e.g. CERES/FAO), must have priority. Children's and juvenile magazines should also appear on the list of periodicals to be obtained. Physical facilities 39. The most pressing task with respect to physical facilities is the accommodation of the National Library. In the short run this can be resolved by taking possession of the actual whole building. About m 2 of ground space specially prepared and equipped suitably could set in motion the work of the newly organized National Library until the time comes to design a new, functional library building. This is unavoidable if the National Library is to become one of the most important cultural centres of the country. It would be premature to speak of this now, but one has to reckon with a future building containing about 1,500 m 2 of usuable ground space which can be planned in stages, with space reserved for future extension of the stack rooms. 40. Both the new building and (after alteration) the present one must become attractive for every type of reader. Children and adolescents must be made to acquire the habit of visiting the library. Reading for adults and research for the scholar should be made possible in a highly comfortable environment. For this purpose the children's library should be playful and the rest should offer, in general, open-access shelving. It is desirable to have one children's and one adults' reading room, one room set aside for research, and a few cubicles equipped with micro-readers and typewriters. Air-conditioning would greatly enhance the appeal of the National Library, and would also secure better conservation for the book stock. A projector (especially for children), Xerox machines, reprographic equipment (e.g. for the publication of accession lists, national bibliography) would be required for the up-to-date functioning of the National Library. Budget 41. It seems worth while to plan the budget and investment for at least a three-year period. The most significant investment would appear ' to be the alteration of the present building or the erection of a new building. The cost should include the demolition of the present building, clearing of the site and redesign. The cost of these two alternatives can only be estimated by competent local technical authorities and the government must then decide, on the basis of these estimates, which alternative to adopt. Here we can only sketch the requirements concerning reconstruction and the new building. It has to be emphasized that securing a high standard solution for lending and reading facilities on the premises (among others because of the low income level and inadequate housing conditions) is one of the key issues not only with respect to cultural, but also to the economic development of the country. This particular aspect has to be considered when planning the budget, including its investments.

13 Investments 42. Alternative: reconstruction of building m 2 ground space, design a library with open-access shelves: one reading room for adults; one children's library; a lending section; stack-room (containing loan copies and little-used early works); offices for librarians (three to four); premises for technical facilities (e.g. reprography); 43. Alternaive: new, air-conditioned building 1,500 m 2 ground space, design a library with open-access shelves: one adult's reading room; one children's library; one lending library for adults and children; four cubicles for research work; stack-system (loan copies, special collections); one room for methodological demonstration and training; premises for technical facilities (binding, reprography, etc.). 44. Equipment Shelves for stacks; photocopying equipment; microfiche reader and printer; equipment for binding; equipment for reprography; catalogue cabinets; cardex; typewriters; office furniture and supplies; slide projector for the children's library; toys, illustrations for the children's library; audio-visual equipment (record-player, tape-recorder, cassettes). Book and periodical acquisition 45. On the basis of volumes per annum at $35, $10,000 is recognized, or Rs. 70,000: whereas for periodicals at $100, $2,000 or Rs. 15,000 is required totalling Rs. 85,000 for the purchase of books and periodicals. Phases of development 46. On the basis of a three-year budget ( ), in the light of what has been stated above the following stages of implementation can be envisaged. (a) Investment Building reconstruction: , new building Equipment: in stages according to availability. (b) Book and periodical acquisition in stages. (c) Staffing 1983: one director; one administrative assistant; one finance officer; two special librarians (for depository library functions); two special librarians (for public library functions); one special librarian (methodology, networking); three clerical members of staff successively: acquisition of a further eight members of staff according to the list given in paragraph 29.

14 Committee for Library and Information Resources 47. For the organization of the National Library (and with it the whole library system of the country) to get under way, it is imperative that the work of the government and the National Library should be assisted by an advisory council. The best way to realize this would be to set up a Committee for Library and Information Resources. The President of the Committee could be the head or deputy head of the government agency which is responsible for the country's library system; the Secretary an official of the same agency. Its members should include the Director of the National Library, a representative each of the Ministry of Education, the Educational Development Centre, and the representative of the Unesco National Commission of the Maldives, the cultural authorities as well as one leading member of the National Planning Agency, one member of the learned corporations of the Maldives (e.g. Council of Linguistic Studies) and a delegate of the Office of the Mayor of Male altogether about twelve to fifteen persons. 48. The Committee would discuss and adopt the National Library's proposals on library and information development. These would then be confirmed by the government, which would make recommendations concerning the choice of Director for the National Library, its policy for the future, and the general library development of the country. III. RECOMMENDATIONS 49. Recommendations concerning the development of the National Library and the shaping of its reading culture can, on the whole, be implemented in two phases. There are those aspects which should be carried out immediately or in the near future, and those to be planned for a longer term. But what both phases have in common is their gradualness, the sequence of tasks and the combination of national and international resources. 50. The international resources may be multilateral, bilateral, regional, intergovernmental or non-governmental. Whichever system it is decided to use the starting-point will be the mobilization of all the national intellectual and financial resources. Without this there can be no effective international co-operation. Accordingly, the National Library's input is based upon national resources, complemented by international co-operation. Institutional building with national assistance 51. Immediate objectives of the Maldives National Library development project in its first phase, covering should be as follows: (a) contribute to the establishment of the National Library; (b) set up a Committee for Library and Information Resources (see paragraph 47); (c) (d) in order to establish a functional system for the National Library and determine its role in the intellectual life of the country a National Library Act has to be prepared and given statutory force to provide a legal framework (see paragraph 55); train the staff for the National Library and for the library network of the country (see paragraphs 26-32);

15 (e) plan and carry out the expansion and up-to-date equipping of the existing National Library premises, and/or design, simultaneously, a new, functional building (see paragraphs 39-40); (f) organize the library collection, processing, storage and dissemination of information needed by present and prospective users (see paragraphs 33-38); (g) provide an adequate budget for the development of the National Library (see paragraphs 41-45). 52. The recommendations under (d), (e) and (f) require international collaboration, whereas (b), (c) and (g) require essentially locally available resources. 53. The time will come for the planning of the National Library's new building during the second phase, in , comprising its up-to-date equipment, the development of organized reading extended to the islands, and the wide-ranging implementation of the Library Act in other words, the consolidation of work begun during the first phase. 54. International collaboration is required during the period covering the years , concerning the following professional and financial resources: (i) Experts and consultants assignment of international staff One expert on library and information planning and management having a university degree and postgraduate qualifications in library/information science, experience in planning and administering a complex library system, including national, special and public library services. Knowledge of English is indispensable. The expert will be responsible for detailed planning and gradual establishment of procedures and services. He will manage the National Library during the absence of the Director. He will also provide on-the-job training for the National Library staff. One short-term consultant for collection-building (reference material) from 1983, one man month. One short-term consultant for technical facilities (reprography, micrography), 1984, one man month. One short-term consultant for public library (especially junior library services), 1985, one man month. (ii) Fellowships A total of three fellowships will be provided for the senior staff of the National Library. One fellowship in library/information planning and management, 1984, two man months (Asian area). One fellowship in document processing (cataloguing, classification), 1983, two man months (United Kingdom or Canada). One fellowship in bibliography and documentation, 1984, two man months (United Kingdom or Asian area).

16 (iii) Equipment in Microreprographic equipment (microreproduction and readers). Xerography Binding Printing (photo-offset). Outline of a Library Act 55. The object of a Library Act is to create the legal basis for the development of library facilities for the country. This Act has to embody the essential functions of a national library network, and at the same time establish its structural framework and fundamental services. Organizational statutes for the National Library will be drawn up in connection with the Library Act: these will lay down the rules and regulations to govern the everyday functioning of the National Library (see Annex I for draft outline).

17 ANNEX I 1. Introduction (Preamble) DRAFT OUTLINE OF A LIBRARY ACT This should deal with matters such as: Why is a Library Act necessary? The role of the National Library in the intellectual life of the country; its treble function national, special and public library. 2. The functional system of the National Library (a) National depository library ('Maldiviana'): the collection of alldomestic documents, the registration and, as far as possible, the collection of literature about and in connection with the Maldives, and the publication of a national bibliography based on the above. (b) National Information and Reference Centre: to supply information on any subject required by the government or by specialists, directly, or making use of other (including foreign) sources. (c) National libraries co-ordination centre: co-ordination of the activities of the country's libraries, introduction of standards and methods. (d) Centralized services: centralized cataloguing, international exchange of publications, loans, etc. (e) Depository library for international organizations: United Nations family documents and publications (United Nations, UNIDO, Unesco, WHO, etc.), and the circulation of their lists. (f) National Public Lending Library: lending service in the capital and on the islands, administration of mobile libraries, etc. 3. National Library structure and organization (a) Management: library policy, planning, budgeting, staffing. (b) Organization (sections) by main services: acquisition and processing; information service and documentation; technical services. 4. Organization of collections (a) (b) (c) Printed materials (books, periodicals, serials). Special collections (manuscripts, ancient and rare books). Non-printed documents (e.g. research reports). (d) Microreproductions. (e) Audio-visual materials.

18 Services (a) Reading rooms. (b) Lending. (c) (d) General information and reference. Inter-library (and international) lending. (e) Technical facilities. (f) Publication activities (e.g. national bibliography)

19 ANNEX II Minister of Education H.E. Mr Mohamed Zahir Hussain LIST OF PERSONS CONSULTED IN MALE AND COLOMBO Director of the Department of Information and Broadcasting Mr Hassan Ahmed Maniku Secretary-General of the Maldive National Commission for Unesco Mr Abdullah Rasheed Assistant Director of the National Planning Agency Mr Hassan Sobir Director of the Islamic Development Bank Mr Hussain Ali Didi and was in permanent contact with the librarian of the National Library Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme, Colombo Mr Y.Y. Kim Programme Officer, UNDP, Colombo Mr C. Fernando