Libraries R-evolution – A showcase of evolution from libraries in Asia

Singapore
24 October 2011

Libraries R-evolution – A showcase of evolution from libraries in Asia

Swets is pleased to announce that http://www.librariesrevolution.com now contains contributions from over 70 of Asia’s most distinguished libraries and institutions. Launched in July of this year, Swets’ Libraries R-evolution project is a collaborative and informative partnership between Swets and the respected library community of Asia Pacific. By sharing and showcasing success stories through the website www.librariesrevolution.com, the goal is to promote the flexibility and sustainability of Asian libraries across the region.

Some of the notable libraries included are; The Peking University and Tsinghua University in China, The University of Hong Kong, The National University of Singapore and the Waseda University in Japan. Each institution has shared helpful tips, details and best practices on how these libraries can stay abreast of the changes occurring within the industry and make the most of their acquired library collections. The journey of these libraries are sure to inspire other libraries and institutions to partake in this new R-evolution.

• Peking University Library, which occupies a pivotal position in China’s academic resource-sharing system, shares information on how it is currently developing an integrated “Peking University Digitalization and Data Center".
• The University of Hong Kong Library tells of their Scholars Hub, an institutional repository aimed at gathering the intellectual output of the institution. The Scholars Hub is now recognized internationally as a superior example of what an institutional repository should be.
• The National University of Singapore Library talk about their experiences leveraging latest technology features, such as RSS feed, social networking tools and web 2.0 features but also give details on their new portal, available in a mobile version, which offers one-stop access to everything that is offered by the library.
• Tsinghua University Library in China, which celebrates its centennial anniversary this year, discuss how it has been actively growing its digital library with the aim of becoming a world-class research-intensive, digital and open library that celebrates “joyful reading and sharing, the beauty of books for 100 years”.
• Japan’s Waseda University Library outline their experiences in digitizing over 300,000 historically valuable materials, including many national treasures and created a public database in which to house them.

The Libraries R-evolution project and website also commemorates Swets’ 110 year anniversary, outlining the company’s journey from a small scientific and antiquarian bookstore in Amsterdam 1901. Today, it is the leading service and e-solutions provider for customers around the world.

“It is our belief that the shared information in the platform, will no doubt empower other libraries and institutions to realize their ambitions by learning from the discoveries and experiences of their contemporaries. The information industry will continue to evolve and Swets is committed to be a leading part of that evolution, by finding new ways to collaborate and provide new value-added services to our customers” commented Elsie Ng, Commercial Director at Swets, Singapore.

About Swets
Swets is the world’s leading service and E-solutions provider for the information industry. We build on 110 years of experience to maximize the return on investments in time and money for clients and publishers in today’s complex information marketplace. With clients in over 160 countries, Swets is a true “long tail” powerhouse that provides the most comprehensive and sophisticated e-commerce platform current available in its field.

Swets has been included in E-Content Magazine’s “100 Companies that Matter Most in the Digital Content Industry” for the past six years and is the only information agent to be ISO 9001:2008 certified on a global basis – a testament to our stringent operation and client service procedures.

Media Contact
Sheila Seow
Marketing Manager
Swets
Tel : +65 6296 9373 Ext 164
Fax : +65 6296 3114
email : sseow@sg.swets.co