News from the ROC Library World(Vol.32 No.2)

Cross-strait Public Library Symposium Exchanges between libraries on both sides of the Taiwan Strait have steadily developed over recent years, but most of these initiatives have been limited to university libraries. However, there has been a pressing need for greater interaction among public libraries on both sides, especially rural branches in the development stage. With this goal in mind, the first Cross-strait Seminar on Public Library Development was held on September 14 to 15 this year at the NCL. Organized by the Council for Cultural Affairs (CCA), Executive Yuan, in conjunction with the National Taichung Library, NCL, and other organizations, the symposium provided a forum for librarians on both sides of the Taiwan Strait to share their experience and knowledge on issues concerning public library development. Specific topics of discussion included library construction and development, technological services, automation, reader services, local documents, resource sharing, earthquake preparation and reconstruction, and special services.