Chandos Publishing Globalisation, Information and Libraries: The Implications of the World Trade Organisation's GATS and TRIPS Agreements (Chandos Series for Information ... (Chandos Information Professional Series)

Product Description This book provides an overview of the World Trade Organisation; in particular, it focuses on two of the agreements being developed at the WTO, which are due to be strengthened in 2005, and are likely to have significant implications for libraries and information: the General Agreement on Trade in Services (the GATS) and the Agreement on Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS). The book argues that the library and information profession needs to be more aware of these agreements and the way in which they threaten some of the professional ethics and principles (such as the balance in copyright). Key Features: explores a vital and very new, much undiscovered area - the WTO and libraries; brings together facts about globalisation and the WTO, libraries and information, within a wider social and theoretical perspective; draws on the authors wealth of knowledge - building on her many published articles on this topic. Readership: Information professionals on an international basis, and its primary aim is to raise awareness about these important issues; individuals interested in globalisation issues; NGOs, academics and those involved in the information industry will also find it of interest. Review …provides an in-depth and yet accessible treatise on the implications of globalisation as represented by the impact of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) on public services. --New Library World …a very insightful book. ...an essential book for anyone interestedin the privatisation of libraries or the public sector in general. --New Library World The book should be compulsory reading for policy advisors in LIS professional associations, is recommended to all those interested in the role of librarianship in society. --JDOC, Charles Oppenheim, Loughborough University, UK …a very insightful book. ...an essential book for anyone interestedin the privatisation of libraries or the public sector in general. --New Library World The book should be compulsory reading for policy advisors in LIS professional associations, is recommended to all those interested in the role of librarianship in society. --JDOC, Charles Oppenheim, Loughborough University, UK About the Author Ruth Rikowski is a well-known author and academic; she has 25 years experience as an information professional. Ruth is on the EBLIDA (European Bureau of Library Information and Documentation Association) WTO Working Group. She is currently a Visiting Lecturer at London South Bank University and the University of Greenwich and she is also the Series Editor for the Chandos Series for Information Professionals.