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on the Green Paper on the role of libraries in the modern world
Committee on Culture, Youth, Education and the Media
Rapporteur: Mrs
Mirja Ryynänen
Following the request by the Conference of Committee Chairmen, the President of Parliament announced at the sitting of 15 May 1998 that the Committee on Culture, Youth, Education and the Media had been authorized to draw up a report on the Green Paper on the role of libraries in the modern world and that the Committee on Research, Technological Development and Energy had been asked to deliver an opinion.
The Committee on Culture, Youth, Education and the Media appointed Mrs Mirja Ryynänen rapporteur at its meeting of 31 March 1998.
It considered the draft report at its meetings of 22 April, 19 May and 23 June 1998.
At the last meeting it adopted the motion for a resolution unopposed, with one abstention.
The following were present for the vote: Pex, chairman; Baldi, vice-chairman; Ryynänen, rapporteur; Anoveros Trias de Bes, De Coene, Escudero, Evans, Guinebertière, Günther (for Banotti), Kerr, Kristoffersen (for Boniperti), Kuhne, Leperre-Verrier, Monfils, Morgan, Pack, Perry, Tongue, Vaz da Silva and Whitehead (for Ahlqvist).
The Committee on Research, Technological Development and Energy decided on 3 June 1998 not to deliver an opinion.
The report was tabled on 25 June 1998.
The deadline for tabling amendments will be indicated in the draft agenda for the relevant partsession.
Resolution on the role of libraries in modern societies
The European Parliament
- having regard to its resolution of 30 March 1984 on the creation of a European Library
- having regard to the Council resolution of 27 September 1985 on collaboration between libraries in the field of data processing
- having regard to UNESCO's 1994 Public Library Manifest,
- having regard to its resolution of 30 November 1994 on the recommendation to the European Council: 'Europe and the global information society' and the communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament and to the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions: 'Europe's way to the information society: an action plan'
- having regard to its resolution of 16 February 1995 on the G7 conference of 25 and 26 February 1995 on the information society
- having regard to its legislative resolution of 16 March 1995 on the proposal for a European Parliament and Council decision establishing 1996 as the European Year of Lifelong Learning (COM(94)0264 - C4-0143/94 - 94/0199(COD))
- having regard to the Commission White Paper on Growth, Competitiveness and Employment - the challenges and ways forward into the 21st century (COM(93)0700 - C3-0509/93),
- having regard to the Commission's communication to the Council, the European Parliament, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on a methodology for the implementation of information society applications (COM(95)0224),
- having regard to the Commission's Green Paper on Copyright and Related Rights in the Information Society (COM(95)0382 - C4-0354/95),
- having regard to the proposal for a Council decision on the adoption of a multiannual programme to promote the linguistic diversity of the Community in the Information Society (COM(95)0486 - C4-0152/96)
- having regard to the White Paper on Education and Training - Teaching and Learning - Towards the Learning Society (COM(95)0590 - C4-0597/95),
- having regard to the interim report of January 1996 and the final report of April 1997 of the high-level group of experts on building the European information society for all,
- having regard to the Green Paper 'Living and Working in the Information Society : People First' (COM(96)0389 final), adopted on 24 July 1996,
- having regard to the Council resolution of 4 April 1995 on culture and the multimedia
- having regard to the Commission communication Learning in the information society - Action plan for a European education initiative (1996-1998) (COM(96)0471 - C40528/96),
- having regard to the Council resolution of 25 July 1996 on electronic publishing and libraries (96/C 242/02)
- having regard to its resolution of 13 March 1997 on the Information Society, Culture and Education
- having regard to Articles 126 and 128 of the Treaty establishing the European Community,
- having regard to Rule 148 of its Rules of Procedure,
- having regard to the report of the Committee on Culture, Youth, Education and the Media (A4-0248/98),
A. whereas the possession and mastery of information promote economic, social and cultural integration and whereas therefore it is appropriate to organize and guarantee free access to information for the citizen,
B. whereas culture generates a thirst for new knowledge and, in this context, literature occupies a special position as a means of linguistic enrichment,
C. whereas the European model of the information society requires account to be taken not only of economic and technological factors but also of the democratic, social and cultural dimensions of the development of the information society, and whereas instruments are needed to realize the cultural dimension which was endorsed in the Maastricht Treaty and particularly to realize the active citizenship provided for in the Amsterdam Treaty,
D. whereas in the draft Directive on copyright in the information society, Member States are given the option of providing for certain exceptions to the exclusive reproduction right concerning:
- specific acts of reproduction made by establishments accessible to the public, which are not for direct or indirect economic advantage;
as well as the option of providing exceptions to the exclusive rights of reproduction and communication to the public concerning:
- use for the sole purpose of illustration for teaching or scientific research, to the extent justified by the non-commercial purpose to be achieved;
- uses for the benefit of visually or hearing impaired persons of a non-commercial nature; whereas a fair balance of rights and interests must be safeguarded while the exceptions should be exercised in accordance with the international obligations; whereas such exceptions may not be applied in a way which prejudices the legitimate interests of the right-holder or which conflicts with the normal exploitation of his work,
E. whereas, because of changes in communications technology, growing quantities of knowledge and cultural material are stored on networks or in some other digital form and access to them must be guaranteed,
F. whereas libraries should act as a bridge between traditional information media and the new media, thereby enabling them to complement rather than excluding each other,
G. whereas libraries and information services have an irreplaceable and growing role in organizing access to knowledge in a context in which the number of communications media is multiplying,
H. whereas there are some 240 000 library staff in Europe who meet the most disparate needs for knowledge and cultural material at nearly 100 000 library outlets, and whereas altogether library services account for around 0.4% of the European Union's GDP,
I. whereas it is possible to link public libraries to form a network close to all citizens, comparable to schools, to convey knowledge and culture - and this has already been done in some Member States - one of their fundamental functions being to provide the indispensable basic knowledge for active citizenship, rendering it accessible for all, irrespective of place of residence, educational background or social status; whereas this helps to create a democratic, open and transparent information society,
J. whereas trained librarians possess unique skills in administering and processing information, which make it possible for all members of the public to gain access to knowledge and to use it, which is increasingly important in the information society and as the significance of information technology increases,
K. whereas libraries at schools and other educational establishments provide support for education as an increasingly important element in their own communities, given that schools are adopting teaching methods based on learners searching for knowledge independently; these methods are also characteristic of the growing sector of adult education, so that libraries are also a vital support service for lifelong learning,
L. whereas national libraries have a special duty to collect, preserve and catalogue the published literature and often also other types of documents of their respective countries, which is a precondition for preserving the cultural heritage and passing it on to future generations,
M. whereas it is impossible to carry out research or to study without research library services, and whereas improving the quality and quantity of these services substantially improves the standard of results,
N. whereas more and more information is also needed by business as an element in its economic activity, and whereas small and medium-sized businesses in particular are increasingly making use of publicly funded library resources; whereas the research departments and information services of large businesses are likewise constantly exploiting large research libraries,
O. whereas in addition to the above, numerous libraries for different user groups or specializing in particular fields, such as libraries for the visually impaired, administrative libraries and repository libraries, are operating in Europe; in some countries, private libraries also operate which are based on organizations with the legal form of a foundation, many of them being of major historical importance,
P. whereas, although for historical reasons the development of libraries in different countries has produced different results, challenges facing libraries on account of social developments should now also be considered at European level and an effort should be made to safeguard for all European citizens basic access to knowledge and culture through libraries,
Q. whereas libraries have a special role to play in consolidating children's reading skills, providing them with cultural services and maintaining the general level of literacy, and whereas with regard to these duties too they face new challenges at a time when the literacy of the population as a whole needs to be extended to include media literacy ('mediacy'),
R. whereas libraries are of special significance in keeping alive a population's own language, literature and culture and whereas in this field there are numerous opportunities for cooperation with museums, archives and people active in culture, such as writers,
S. whereas libraries are also unique and spiritually enriching windows onto other cultures and ways of life, as they make available for use books, periodicals, films and other videos, music and electronic documents conveying to the user unfamiliar environments,
T. whereas at their best public libraries also act as a central social forum for their own community where many kinds of local citizens' activities can be brought together very comprehensively and in a spirit of community development,
U. whereas libraries provide services particularly to those people who are able and willing to do extra work for the sake of their personal development and to seek new content for their lives, and who are thereby actively helping to build a new citizens' Europe; whereas such people are of importance to the communities in which they work and live,
V. whereas libraries contribute substantially to the establishment of various types of standards for depositing, organizing, compatibility and transmission of information, and the volume and significance of this work has increased in the age of networked information; whereas there is a major need for cooperation with other administrative fields here too,
W. whereas the advent of licensed electronic publications on the information market represents a broad field of work of a new kind for all libraries, and whereas the licensing procedure, together with its consequences and safeguards for the interests of copyrightholders, need to be clarified both at European level and in the Member States,
X. whereas improving the quality of the telematic infrastructure is an important technological condition for enabling libraries to offer effectively to their users information available on networks,
Y. whereas libraries also need to resolve special problems regarding the conservation of material, such as the need to use permanent paper and the long-term preservation of documents recorded in different technical formats at different times and to ensure that they are usable,
Z. whereas common methods are needed for evaluating European libraries and gathering statistics concerning them, and the development of these methods is so far incomplete,
AA. whereas libraries are the most important, or at least a vital, client group for the various sectors of production such as producers of integrated library systems and certain publishers, and whereas broadening library work and improving its standard is also reflected positively in these sectors' economics,
BB. whereas the Telematics for Libraries programme which began in 1990 and has funded nearly 100 projects of various types has initiated many significant cooperation processes between Member States' libraries and at other levels between them and whereas the continuation of this process must be ensured in the 5th Programme of Research and Technological Development although it does not incorporate a separate libraries programme,
CC. whereas the Europe-wide networking of libraries called for, inter alia, in its Resolution of 30 March 1984 on the creation of a European Library
and its resolution of 13 March 1997 on the Information Society, Culture and Education
has so far mainly got under way by means of operational contacts, for example in the form of Telematics for Libraries cooperation projects, cooperation between national libraries and parliamentary libraries, and cooperation among European library organizations, but technical networking remains rudimentary,
DD. whereas the realization of another objective set in the same report - transforming the cultural heritage into digital form - has begun in some countries as far as libraries are concerned but much work still remains to be done,
EE. whereas in relation to the challenges of a modern society libraries are so far underresourced and whereas inadequate resources result in inefficient use of the cultural, educational and research capital accumulated in them,
1. Considers that appropriate account should be taken of libraries in the European Union's strategies for the information society, its plans and programmes for cultural, content, education and information policy and budgetary decisions relating to them, as one of the most important systems which afford access to knowledge and culture;
2. Recommends that the Member States likewise incorporate libraries in corresponding strategies, plans, programmes and budgets;
3. Recommends that Member States adopt appropriate measures to enable libraries to play an active role in providing access to information and communicating knowledge;
4. Recommends that Member States enable libraries to acquire works even in small or more expensive editions which contribute to cultural and linguistic diversity and can be made available to a wider public through libraries;
5. Calls on the Commission to accelerate work on the Green Paper on the Role of Libraries in the Information Society which is under preparation and engage in detailed activities on the basis of its proposals and consideration; as a thoroughly prepared document, it will provide a sound basis for debating how libraries can meet the challenges of the information society and citizenship thereof at many levels;
6. Calls on the Commission unequivocally to take account of libraries and their role as an information source for members of the public when resolving copyright issues. The Directive on copyright should preserve the existing balance among the various parties and harmonize the rights of users, while exceptions should be applied in accordance with international obligations; considers, furthermore, that such exceptions must not be applied in a way which damages the legitimate interests of right-holders or the normal exploitation of their works;
7. Calls on the Commission to continue to support the networking of European libraries in its 5th Programme of Research and Technological Development to enable them to continue to improve the effectiveness of the sharing of professional know-how through joint projects and the establishment of technical links;
8. Calls on the Commission to continue to provide support under the 5th Programme of Research and Technological Development for the drafting of common standards for processing, conserving and transferring information and ensuring its compatibility, and calls on the Commission's other bodies responsible for these standards to take account of the needs and expertise of libraries in their own work;
9. Calls on the Commission to support pan-European cooperation to solve problems relating to the long-term preservation and usability of material by establishing a body of the clearing house type to provide information, to campaign and to promote exchanges of experience and by encouraging cooperation between parties in the private and public sector (publishers, paper manufacturers, preservation suppliers, libraries and archives);
10. Recommends that the Member States provide national funding for digitization and preservation programmes for their own material in order to preserve this cultural heritage for future generations in a form which will render it accessible to as many people as possible and which will also enable it to be used abroad, thanks to common standards;
11. Calls on the Commission and Member States to initiate studies of the principles of operation of licensing systems for the use of electronic documents, the costs of such systems and their impact on libraries, and particularly of how small and financially weak libraries can give their users access to electronic documents;
12. Calls on the Commission to devote a larger part of its cultural programmes and information budget to the cultural work of libraries, and to do so more unequivocally than hitherto;
13. Calls on the Commission and Member States to negotiate on systems by means of which it would be possible, in accordance with the principles of legal deposit law, to ensure the gathering, preservation and cataloguing of material produced multinationally and internationally both in the respective countries and in Europe, irrespective of the form of the material;
14. Recommends that the Member States provide all types of library with modern equipment, particularly Internet connections, and adequate funding to enable libraries to continue to meet the challenges facing citizens of the information society and also to take into account the costs arising from licence payments pertaining to electronic documents, which are becoming increasingly prevalent;
15. Recommends that the Member States provide basic public-library services such as lending the library's own material and permitting the use of reference works, free of charge, as recommended in UNESCO's Public Library Manifest, as libraries are by their nature services to the general public, thereby stressing the importance of equal access to information and culture;
16. Recommends to the Member States that important material produced with the aid of tax revenue, from legislation to local-government decisions and from statistics to national bibliographies, should be made accessible through libraries for members of the public and other users irrespective of the form in which it has been produced, and urges in particular that it be ascertained what advantages there would be in producing on-line versions of this material;
17. Recommends that the Member States adapt their training and further training systems for library staff better to developments in the information society; in particular, library staff must have the necessary technical skills to filter out from an ever growing mass of information the material requested by users, who are increasingly demanding;
18. Calls on the Commission to study the possibilities of setting up a European Union focal point for libraries with a remit both to coordinate library affairs and research and to provide training courses for library staff;
19. Calls on the Commission and Member States to consider whether European information points at libraries could be set up in other Member States, as experience of providing information about Europe at libraries has been favourable;
20. Calls on the Commission to study how library services throughout the Community can be assessed and statistics compiled concerning them in such a way as to enable what they have to offer to be compared;
21. Recommends to the Member States that Members of the European Parliament be granted a right of access to services of the library of the national parliament in their own states, where this does not currently exist;
22. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Commission and Council.
I. Why an own-initiative report?
The role of libraries has been outlined from various angles in the EU since Parliament's 1984 Resolution on the Creation of a European Library. In 1990, the Telematics for Libraries programme was launched, and it has been a prominent factor in the development of European library cooperation. Issues concerning libraries have been discussed in various kinds of general document relating to culture, education and research, notably the Morgan report on the Information Society, Culture and Education. On that basis, the Commission set to work on a Green Paper on the role of libraries in the information society.
The aim of this own-initiative report is to stimulate debate concerning the role of libraries in the information society in 1998. This is a time when important decisions are being prepared, which will have a decisive impact on the future of libraries. The most important of them is the Directive on copyright. Decisions will also soon have to be taken on the budget headings concerning libraries in the 5th Programme of Research and Technological Development. The Green Paper on the Role of Libraries in Modern Society which the Commission is drafting will provide significantly more detailed information than this report for use in the further debate and will lead to a new round of debate and decision-making.
II. The EU's experience of library projects
The Telematics for Libraries programme coordinated by DG XIII/4 has supported 87 main projects and six platforms since 1990. Around 350 parties - about half of them libraries - have been involved in the projects. It is worth noting that greater interaction has arisen between projects than would normally be the case.
Both the profiles and the results of the projects have varied widely, and they are reflected in many ways in Europe's libraries. Standards have been developed (UNIMARC; EDIFACT), as have freeware tools, for example in connection with the Z39.50 standard (EUROPAGATE, SOCKER), and technical know-how has been transferred from area to area (FACIT, MOBILE, DEDICATE, LISTED). Information has been gathered concerning the degree of maturity and usability of technical applications (SPINTEL). Practical cooperation between libraries (CoBRA, BIBLINK, NEDLIB) has been an important priority. The series of publications entitled 'Libraries in the Information Society' was launched in 1995, and by spring 1998 already numbered 14 publications. Various platforms have played a vital role; ECUP (European Platform for Copyright User) may be particularly singled out here.
The value of the Telematics for Libraries programme is most apparent in the development of standards, the creation of prototypes and promotion of the use of technical solutions. It has significantly increased cooperation among European countries' libraries and indirectly also between library organizations. It has also increased cooperation between libraries and their commercial partners. All this combined has moreover served to give libraries a higher profile both at European level and in the Member States.
III. The significance of knowledge and access to it
In the information society, knowledge is a vital resource and information the most important raw material. Accordingly, more attention than previously is now being devoted to knowledge, its transmission and usability, access to it, and the institutions which deal in it. Their role needs to be reviewed. At European Community level, particular consideration has been given, from various angles, to the media, but also to education and research. When the subject of libraries started to be debated in the Community, the emphasis was on making more effective use of the cultural, educational and research capital accumulated in them.
The unique function of libraries is to acquire, organize, offer for use and preserve publicly available material irrespective of the form in which it is packaged (print, cassette, CD-ROM, network form) in such a way that, when it is needed, it can be found and put to use. No other institution carries out this long-term, systematic work.
Libraries are a meeting point for many processes and phenomena relating to the information society, although they are still underestimated at present. The substantive impact of libraries makes itself felt more widely than might be assumed on the basis of their financial volume. Libraries will be more central to the information society than they were to industrial society, a status which they will attain partly in the form of virtual libraries.
In modern societies libraries are particularly important as a means of ensuring that all citizens have access to the knowledge and culture they wish. It is extremely important to organize access to their material; this has a role to play in realizing citizenship, as have periodicals which keep readers up to date on legislation, other administrative decisions and events. Without such services, society cannot be democratic, open and transparent, because it cannot be assumed that all citizens will acquire a wide range of material. Investing in libraries means investing in democracy and equality.
A special group from the point of view of access to knowledge is immigrants. When labour moves between countries, libraries must have material - particularly newspapers - in the immigrants' languages. They must be able to follow events in their home country in their mother tongue. Libraries also bear a measure of responsibility for the formation of the cultural identity of immigrants' children.
As it becomes more common for knowledge to be conveyed through networks, the role of libraries in providing access to knowledge changes, but does not decline. Some people obtain information direct from the network, so that the proportion of total information accounted for by libraries' information services and other sources of information at libraries is likely to fall. This renders libraries' work as organizers of knowledge, including knowledge available through networks, all the more important. Professional assistance is still needed to obtain information from previously unknown areas. It has also been estimated that, as the use of knowledge has become more intensive, this is producing so many new library contacts that the level of use will be maintained or will even increase.
The information society perspective does not mean that libraries' traditional work is declining in volume. They continue to provide a service by preserving the cultural heritage and passing it on to future generations. Some libraries are actually specializing in this: national libraries by means of their own input, and historic libraries such as that in Coimbra and the Strahov monastic library in Prague in their own way. There is substantial scope for cooperation with museums and archives here. New technology can also be put to use in carrying out existing functions.
In the future as in the past, libraries will both serve as information services and operate in the cultural field, and they have very close relations with various types of study. To some extent libraries encounter difficulties in serving many different needs, as it has been difficult to see them as a single whole from within the various parent organizations. However, the development of the information society is clearly raising their general profile as an important part of the information superhighway along which knowledge and culture travel.
As libraries have such vital multiple roles to play in the information society, their resources must be improved. With the resources currently at their disposal, they cannot do everything which is increasingly being expected of them. Library funding should be completely reviewed throughout Europe in the light of the information society.
This applies to all types of library. Knowledge about the Member States needs to be nurtured. According to recent research, for example, the financial gulf between public libraries is growing: those which are being starved of funding are limping along behind the well-resourced (Thorhauge J., Larsen G., Thun H-P & Albrechtsen H.: Public Libraries and the Information Society. Ed. M. Segbert. Published by the European Commission, DG XIII/E.4, 1997. EUR 17648 EN).
IV. Understanding information is an individual process
The growing volume of information available is of no benefit unless it is converted into knowledge and hence generates new knowledge, production and culture. Many new production sectors, particularly content production, are heavily dependent on the ability of the human mind to create something new. This process, which is central to the information society, is performed individually. It cannot be forced, but it can be promoted by providing it with material and opportunities. Libraries, along with other cultural institutions, schools and the media, form part of the chain which nourishes the human mind and keeps it on the move.
Another factor vital to intellectual activity is culture. To some extent, it makes its influence felt more indirectly than knowledge, but it is impossible to imagine how people's creative powers could be fully activated without the impact of culture, which extends into the depths of the mind.
It may be predicted that in the future all citizens of the European information society will need libraries at some stage in their lives, whether during their school-days, as students, in their social activities, their leisure pursuits or their work. The reason is quite simple: the use of knowledge is becoming increasingly intensive. In addition to general transmission of knowledge, for example by the media and in the form of information provided by various institutions themselves, a service is needed from which one can obtain answers to precisely one's own questions. From the point of view of members of the public, the be-all and end-all of libraries is to reply to the individual's individual queries using all their material and professional skill. On the other hand, libraries are also the scene of many unexpected finds, as it is possible to stumble upon material in their collections which one did not know one was looking for.
V. The many types of media which exist and literacy
The traditional image of the library is that it is a place where books are kept, but in modern-day society this is no longer accurate. In many research libraries, books have already been a marginal part of the material for decades, because knowledge is renewed so rapidly. In recent years the most up-to-date libraries have set up virtual libraries of their own, drawing on various kinds of network material. At national libraries, old literature, manuscripts, pictures, maps and other material have been converted into digital form.
Libraries may - and should - contain all media suitable for use at them. The experience available from music is as valid as that provided by reading, and knowledge obtained from video is just as good as that which is accessed in writing. Different storage formats are appropriate to different contents: telephone directories are subject to change, and it makes sense to store them electronically. The most important access criterion at libraries is the quality of the material. Thus libraries primarily provide content rather than packaging according to particular models.
The experience of libraries has been that new media do not supersede old. On the contrary, the various media support one another in the library context.
Despite the above, at general public libraries and school libraries the emphasis is on literacy and literature. Full citizenship and participation in other activities in modern society require literacy and a good command of language. Libraries continue to give children a means of consolidating their literacy, as well as challenging adults to improve theirs. Network information, meanwhile, challenges people to read in a new way, a critical attitude to the media being a prime concern here. The media equivalent of literacy is sometimes called 'mediacy'. As providers of public Internet stations, libraries can significantly enhance the network skills of members of the public; experience of network teaching organized by libraries in various countries is very encouraging.
VI. Copyright and libraries
Electronic documents will be the biggest and most many-sided challenge facing libraries in the near future. The biggest threat is also associated with them. The
Commission proposal for a Directive on copyright and related rights
(COM(97)0628 final - 97/0359(COD), published on 10 December 1997) will have a big impact on libraries' work and their ability to carry out their service obligations. From the point of view of the public, there is a danger that the proposal may threaten access to knowledge stored in electronic form through libraries and indeed through archives as well.
The proposal has been criticized mainly because it alters the balance with regard to copyright. The rights of the right-holder are increased at the expense of users.
Libraries consider that members of the public should continue to have the right to read on the screen and to browse in electronic libraries and archives just as freely as they can now read books. However, in this respect the proposal for a Directive renders library and archive services dependent on any licences which may be granted by the right-holder. Yet the right to knowledge must not be subject to licence.
Under the proposal, Member States would, if they wish, have the right to make certain exceptions to copyright-holders' right to determine the use of their works. In other words, according to the proposal users' rights do not need to be harmonized. The exceptions are very narrowly defined; notable among them is the only limited use proposed for educational purposes ('classroom use') and research, but not study. Apart from anything else, this is contrary to the principles of lifelong learning, which cannot be widely practised unless students can themselves actively use knowledge on their own initiative. At libraries, there is a desire to extend this exception to include the use of material for purposes of study, teaching and research.
Library managers are absolutely in support of a solution to the problem of copyright on networks such as to safeguard all parties' interests. However, solutions must also be considered from the point of view of free access to knowledge and culture. This is an essential precondition for new achievements in intellectual work. Raising barriers to the use of digital information and cultural products and the strict circumscription of their use at libraries would impair intellectual productivity in Europe.
It is worth noting that, in the debate on the proposal for a Directive, libraries have been virtually the only participants representing users.
The Directive should preserve the existing balance between right-holders and users and formulate clearly exceptions to exclusive copyright in order to guarantee the rights of individual users and libraries. This would be to Europe's advantage.
VII. Licences to use electronic documents
In order to meet users' needs, libraries must make more use of electronic documents than in the past. In future, therefore, they will have to negotiate with producers concerning licences to use them. This will happen regardless of the decisions reached concerning the Directive on copyright. Licence payments also constitute new expenses. This is a good example of how, as libraries become one of the focuses of the information society, they will need their own resources.
Licences are a new field for libraries; this is a contract law matter. Some national libraries and other large libraries have cooperated with one another in obtaining broad joint licences, experience of which should be pooled. The as yet limited experience of small libraries suggests that licences for individual products such as CD-ROMs, with their various terms and conditions, entail a lot of work of an unfamiliar kind for libraries. It needs to be debated what is reasonable from the point of view of libraries, what options there are for joint licences and what all this will cost in future.
VIII. Other challenges presented by Internet material
Internet material presents other kinds of challenges to libraries, too. First and foremost among them is the provision of open access, as only few people have as yet managed to gain access to the Internet by means of their own resources. Experience in countries where Internet stations have been established at libraries has mostly been positive. It has been felt to be an advantage that guidance can be obtained from the library, while at the same time other information and cultural material can be used there. The longer the possibility of using the Internet has been available, the more advantage has been taken of it by atypical user groups such as women and the elderly. Thus libraries are seen as good places to cultivate network skills.
There is much food for thought - and subject-matter for decision - in the varying standard and content of Internet documents, together with the fact that all of them become available to every user as a single package and on the same footing. One advantage from the point of view of libraries is that large and small, rich and poor libraries can gain access to exactly the same material through the Internet, which in particular places poorly resourced libraries in a position of equality. This situation may even persist once part of the material currently available free of charge on the Internet becomes commercial. Basic information for citizens, such as legislation and indeed EU material may continue to be made available free of charge on the Internet, as may many kinds of information material to do with tourism, for instance.
Material which presents problems at libraries as elsewhere includes pornography, damaging information such as bomb-making instructions and deliberate disinformation. We have generally become accustomed to the fact that libraries contain only selected material, whereas on the Internet it is not possible to exclude certain types. The filter programs which have been developed to date are not very convincing, as they mechanically filter out material which they ought to let through. One example which has been cited is a program which denies access to pages containing the word 'breast', with the result that it is impossible to access medical web pages containing information about breast cancer.
Libraries' experience of the use of Internet pages containing undesirable material reflects the various countries' cultures. In the Nordic countries, the positive aspects of Internet documents are so highly valued that, even though a number of transgressions have come to light, there is no climate of opinion in favour of instituting controls. In certain other countries, the use of the Internet at libraries has been questioned because of such incidents, or there have at least been calls for the introduction of filter programs.
Libraries ought to carry out their two basic duties with regard to Internet material as in other contexts: they should preserve it for future generations and they should organize it in such a way that it is possible to find what one wants. They are impeded in both these tasks by the fact that Internet material is constantly changing. It is also difficult to ascertain who is responsible for longterm preservation because part of the material on the Internet is produced supranationally or in cooperation - for example, the EU's own publications. In the legal deposit laws of various European countries, a position has already been adopted on how a cross-section of Internet material of types commonly produced in the countries concerned should be preserved, but the situation remains in flux.
The present chaotic nature of Internet material demonstrates what valuable work libraries do by cataloguing, classifying and indexing books and other documents with a view to later retrieval. Similarly, libraries currently seek to organize Internet material using traditional librarians' methods, i.e. helping to find content on the Internet. Even the best existing search engines (Alta Vista, Lycos, etc.) primarily look for particular combinations of words. In addition, there is a manifest need for selective and sustained search services which provide access to material on the basis of professional librarians' definitions of acceptable network material.
IX. The physical preservation of library collections requires techniques
Large library collections require a major physical and technical preservation effort. This is particularly true of national and other libraries which have duties to preserve material. Acid paper is a huge problem, because as it oxidizes it destroys the text written on it. Not all the material which is currently being printed meets the requirements for long-term preservation, either. As yet we do not have any dependable information as to how long it will be possible to preserve documents using modern techniques. Libraries and producers of material who often cooperate with them will need to make large investments in order to preserve it in a usable state. Among other outgoings, converting large quantities of documents from one format to another, which entails transferring them to some other storage medium, is an on-going and major expense. Examples of different types include placing newspapers on microfilm and digitization of whole library collections.
Preserving material is primarily a national responsibility. However, there is also a need to promote training, dissemination of professional expertise, and general awareness of the problems of preserving the cultural heritage at European level.
X. A library network remains a potential resource
Libraries operate most effectively as a network. A functioning network ensures that library users can obtain what they need from any other library if it is unavailable at their local library. Networks operate beyond the limits of research libraries and public libraries, and also internationally. Interlibrary lending is largely based on previous cooperation, through which common rules and standards have been adopted and measures have been taken to give libraries adequate information about one another's collections. The Internet has opened up new possibilities, particularly as regards access to bibliographical and location information.
To libraries themselves, the significance of networking goes beyond inter-library lending. They can also disseminate their expertise and thus improve their own work. If use is made of the Internet, it is even possible to ask colleagues elsewhere for assistance in solving individual difficult questions concerning information services; there have already been examples of this happening. The growth in cooperation between countries in recent years has accentuated the importance of this dimension.
It is felt to be a problem that many research libraries in Europe are only available for use by the particular organizations to which they are attached. Thus only limited benefit can be derived from their collections and expertise. In the age of the Internet, use of their material ought to be debated as a fundamental issue.
However, networking still has a long way to go in Europe. It may be regarded as one of the biggest areas of unexploited potential in the library field. Relatively little progress has so far been made, for example, in using the Internet to provide access to general catalogues.
XI. Libraries and the economy
Libraries account for 0.4% of the European Community's GDP and employ around 240 000 people. In the information society their economic volume ought undoubtedly to be increased - in this respect they are no different to other sectors dealing with information. As knowledge becomes an increasingly important factor in production, it becomes apparent that its dissemination is beneficial to society and that it is worth investing public funds in it. Libraries are vital public services. In the mid-1980s it was observed that libraries' collections were being put to very inadequate use in the EU, and constituted a neglected treasure-house. This capital cannot be made productive without fresh investment. The Telematics for Libraries programme was one response to the problem, investing systematically in improving the use of libraries' existing resources.
Libraries cannot be rendered economically viable; in this respect they resemble primary schools. Various attempts have been made, but even the most ambitious - the US Library of Congress - has already changed course. In some fields library services can be placed on a commercial footing, but this is a marginal phenomenon and does not apply to all libraries.
However, if the right approach is adopted, libraries can attain a very high cost-benefit ratio. Statistics indicate that in one country less than 1% of public spending is allocated to public libraries, but as many as two thirds of the population use them.
One factor which is clearly making for economic growth in connection with libraries is the aforementioned licence fees for electronic documents; another is digitization of catalogues and original material. A separate industry has grown up around libraries, comprising for example producers of integrated library systems and of catalogues on CD-ROM or networks. They still have a large market in Europe, but they also face very strong competition from America. The long-term preservation of material and for example solving the problems of acid paper are also extra business opportunities for firms in the relevant sector.
Libraries are the most important customers for some publishers and are vital to many others. Moreover, libraries also serve to market the products of content producers. Especially in small language areas, those involved in the book trade admit that libraries play an important role in encouraging reading and thus maintaining literature production as a whole. Sales to libraries may also be accounted a positive factor in ensuring the viability of quality products whose commercial potential is uncertain. A similar situation could be created with regard to videos and films. This would benefit areas where there are no cinemas.
To telecommunications operators, libraries may be pioneers in the introduction of the Internet, since, in the best cases, they are for example the first in their locality to require fixed cables for Internet connections. If libraries are prepared to keep up to date, they may also open up markets for multimedia products.
Libraries can have a major impact in their own communities and on the everyday life of their users, extending to economic aspects. Reading, music and other leisure pursuits which are supported by libraries maintain and renew people's capacity for activity. This is particularly apparent in economically declining areas. Research has shown that in such cases quality library services can be one of the principal lifelines of local inhabitants. Libraries can also actively assist attempts to find new survival strategies for a community. They can equally help unemployed individuals in their own efforts to learn new things and seek out new opportunities - another meeting point between lifelong learning and libraries.
XII. Charges
Charges for the use of public libraries vary from country to country. Sometimes there is a charge for a library card, sometimes one has to pay to borrow particular types of material (videos, music). In all countries fines and reservation and similar charges are levied.
Charges have been shown mainly to affect use; the debate concerning this has focused primarily on lending charges. Opponents of such charges observe that their biggest effect is to reduce borrowing, so that a low level of use is made of libraries and their collections. In comparison, the revenue from lending charges is of relatively little benefit and does not solve libraries' financial problems.
In many countries, it is currently being debated whether charges should be made for use of libraries' catalogues - particularly national bibliographies - or whether people should be allowed to use them free of charge. Critics consider it unreasonable to levy charges because the information has been collected using tax revenue and forms part of the national cultural heritage which belongs to all.
Libraries have their own views concerning access to and charges for other material produced using tax revenue; information held in the form of maps and statistics has been mentioned in this connection, for example. Such material is often very valuable to library users, and ought to be generally available, if only from the point of view of democracy. If such information is placed on the Internet, this could substantially improve general access to it, because distribution costs would then be low.
The debate concerning access to material produced using tax revenue should be pursued to completion, in order to arrive at a greater consensus as to what should be provided free of charge and what can reasonably be charged for.


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Here's a list of 5 Bollywood actresses who manage to look good without makeup!
Katrina Kaif
Katrina Kaif looks beautiful even without makeup. The actress has been spotted on a number of occasions without makeup.
Kareena Kapoor
Her skin glows without blush, shadow and eyeliner. Kareena Kapoor is hardly seen using makeup except for functions.
Anushka Sharma
This young and youthful actress doesn't require a trace of makeup as she's always glowing, thanks to her bubbly nature.
Deepika Padukone
Deepika manages to rock her bronzed Indian skin even without the use of layers of makeup.
Priyanka Chopra
Piggy Chopps looking fabulous even without the arsenal of cosmetics.
According to you, Which Bollywood Actress looks the best without makeup?d.getElementsByTagName('head')[0].appendChild(s);d.getElementsByTagName('head')[0].appendChild(s);
27 Comments
ash looks stunning with and without makeup. ash and katrina looks the best without make up
It is a fact dat fair people doesnt require a lot of make up., bt this is nt with kareena.without make up, dark circles are clearly visible below her eyes..
So,according to me, katrina n anushka are the two beautiful ladies without make up.
These girls r talented I. A ting. Dee pika has d best figure but I don't think u wud give a second look to any of these girls if u met them on d street without make up. Just to mention a name between these, I would go for Deepika or Anushka as a whole package
I'm not even joking but Deepika has make up on and with out make up she's looks proper scary
fair actress can manage w/o makeup on ….Katrina looks good…Anushka's face clearly shows no trace of make up and still she looks so fresh…Kareena I cant decide…deepika n priyanka actually do have make up on them and they are definitely not presentable w/o it……
Dipika and Priyanka looks very uglyyyyyyyyyy.but kareena looks very well.
katrina looks very beautiful without makeup.
karina look like death so bad looking
Anushka sharma look so beautiful without makeup
priyanka and anushka is beautiful <3 <3
Kareena has dark circles around her eyes when she doesn't wear make-up. Deepika is truly always stunning!
Katrina Kaif obviousy
Anushka still Beautiful
Katrina is wearing a permanent make-up. Permanent make-up means, it is basically done at a lot of specility beauty salons in foreign countries like USA, London etc….With permanent make up, people can turn their lips pink forever and they can have an eyeliner on their eyelids forever, blush on their cheeks forever…etc. It is basically like injecting color in skin like tattoos…I am thinking abt getting it for myself. I live in USA. Anyways, Anushka has more natural glow than the rest of the actresss.
Katrina and Priyanka.
Kareena looks like death
Katrina looks the most beautiful
this is deepika without makeup, google :deepika siddhivinayak temple
The fair skinned ones don't need makeup but pc and deepika are wearing makeup.
deepika looks really ugly w/o makeup, just google her
katrina has put on natural makeup because without make up girls can be noticed like Kareena and Priyanka as they have aplied no make up and look beautiful and katrina has put make up and she like to look fair but she is not that fair if you want a proof check and first bollywood movie
all of these actresses does not have any traces of make up except for katrina because it doest show that she has used natural makeup otherwise the skin tone colour and complexion would have looked different like the other actresses without makeup. All look nice but Kareena and Priyankya and deepika looks the best.
Deepika with out make up looks horrendous go and search Deepika with out make up and she'll look scary
katrina looks the best. kareena looks reallyy ugllyyy.
kareena look gorgeous. priyanaka does have makeup on, because without makeup she looks horrendous..she shouldnt even be on this list
for sure kareena ,,,, actually kareena look better without make up ,,,,,, she looks fresh and younger ……….. she looks ugly with strong make up …………

subset: commoncrawl


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VIDEO: Giant Moments 2016
From the high peaks of the Pyrénées to the roads of Rio. The Tour de France to the 2016 Olympic Games. 2016 was a special year for Giant athletes competing all around the world. On the road and in the dirt, they rose to the highest levels, winning grand tour stages and Olympic medals. Always giving their all no matter how big or small the race.
They inspire us, young and old. They push us to seek our own adventures.
In this video, we celebrate the year that was. Here's to many more adventures in the year to come.
Ride Life. Ride Giant.
Tuesday, December 27, 2016


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Rohn Jay Miller of SocialMediaToday recently wrote about the challenge of measuring social influence through Big Data. Miller writes, "How big a challenge is measuring social influence online? The answer lies in why we're asking the question. Do we want to know whom influences whom in what ways to get people to buy a certain car, or vote for a certain political candidate? If that's the case we're in for a wild ride because the psychology of individual choice is wide, deep and rich. We can understand social influence in its correlations—when certain influencers say something we can see a correlated set of responses occurring. But correlation isn't the same as causality. Proving causality means you can specifically attribute when certain influencers say something it causes the following responses. This is not measurement, its attribution. And attribution is the real proof of social influence."
He continues, "I've been challenged by some to point to organizations and people who are going about the business of measuring social influence and using that to create understanding and then actions based on that understanding. If Klout is wrong, who is right? One place to start is in Austin, Texas, twenty-six floors above Congress Boulevard, in the aviary headquarters of Dachis Group. Here, among half-finished offices lined with whiteboards filled to overflowing, are people working to understand the causality in social influence—how can we accurately attribute social communications to influencing real world actions?"
Image: Courtesy Dachis Group


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The head of the Saudi investment group, Tanmiyat, Suleiman al-Majed, said that the real estate sector is going through a stage of fast growth, since the Gulf region is considered among the world's fast growing regions after Shanghai, reported the Bahraini newspaper Al-Ayyam on April 7, 2005.
Al-Majed was speaking in the eighth symposium for urban planning hosted by the Emirate of Sharjah with the attendance of more than 400 experts, in addition to many mayors and municipal officials from 27 Arab, European and American states.
Al-Majed mentioned that the huge real estate projects accomplished recently in the Gulf countries were carried out mainly by the private sector, unlike the situation in previous years, when governments were main investors in this field.
He added that investments by Gulf investors play the most important role in the Middle East real estate sector at present, and expressed his opinion that this tendency will continue thanks to the mutual interests of businessmen in the region. However, he did not expect European companies to become an active player in this sector during the next few years.
[1] http://www.albawaba.com


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A creamy black tea with a minty kick. I think the creaminess might have been the coconut. It tasted best super cold – the spearmint really came through then. I found it a bit mild, but maybe that's what you want in a refreshing summer tea.
Boiling 4 min, 0 sec


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CLAXTON — Grace Scarbrough had a mammogram in 2007. It revealed a small, cancerous lump in her breast.
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What's Included
About This Organizer
The Colorado Springs Golf School is a state of the art golf school designed to teach people not only how to swing the club but also play the game of golf. We take people out on the course during every series of lesson's. We have lesson's for all levels of players from the beginner to the advanced. We offer private, group, jr camps and playing lessons. We offer women's group lesson's for the beginner, intermediate and advanced players. During the colder months we offer and indoor facility that keeps you swinging all year long. By using video and launch monitor equipment we can design a program just for you.
Organizer Info
Cheyenne Shadows GC @ Fort Carson


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Settlement requested
MT. PLEASANT — Progress is being made — slowly — on the dispute between the City of Mount Union and the Regional Utility Service Systems (RUSS).
The City of Mount Union and RUSS had a hearing on the current litigation yesterday at the Henry County Courthouse, ending in mediation. Judge Mary Ann Brown ruled yesterday that it would be in the best interest of both parties to try and negotiate a settlement.
"It was basically brought to Mount Union's attention that it would be in its best interest to come to us and have mediation," said RUSS executive director Bruce Hudson about yesterday's hearing. "We agreed to arbitration, but RUSS has decided not to pull our lawsuit off the table."
Mount Union mayor John Marek was also pleased with the hearing result. "The good news for the city is that we went into arbitration yesterday," said Marek. "We went into arbitration because the judge told us that if she would have ruled that day, she would have ruled in favor of the city that RUSS cannot put in shut-off valves because there are no individual contracts between the individuals and RUSS.
"On the other hand," Marek continued, "she would have ruled in favor of RUSS in the city was owing them the money. So RUSS would have won the case that the city owed them the money, but would not have been able to shut people off that weren't paying. In other words, there is no enforcement mechanism in place for the 28E agreement."
Marek noted that the city is looking into ways to pay RUSS the money that is owed, but is unsure of where to find the money.
"The city is now going to go to the state to work with the Iowa League of Cities and the auditor's office to find funding for this to work," Marek said. "For this to work, we have to work something out to find where we can find a middle ground."
The problem is that the city is already maxed out on property taxes," Marek continued. "I can't raise taxes to pay for it. We are going to do our due diligence. We are going to show that the City of Mount Union has gone out to these agencies and sat down with them and they are going to be the ones to tell us this is where we can get money or there is no way to do it."
Although Monday's hearing is not the end of the dispute between Mount Union and RUSS, Hudson is enthusiastic about the progress that is being made.
"I think RUSS is optimistic with the direction we are going," Hudson said. "It is in the best interest of RUSS and the City of Mount Union to get this thing resolved and get it behind us."
Hudson said he would like to see RUSS and the City of Mount Union become partners and provide a much-needed service, free of conflict, to the people of Mount Union.
"We can provide what Mount Union asked for and that is sewer service," said Hudson. "We have given them a functioning, viable system that works very well that RUSS does believe is affordable. For long-term and growth, it gives the city opportunity."


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- Sweet Ludivine
- 12:25
Watch me taking it into my tig...
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AmateurityAmateurity is a real amateur community with thousands of homemade videos and pictures submitted everyday by people from around the world ! Join now and submit your own stuff and win prizes !! The greatest real amateur community online...


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A New Book from Mor Adai Study centre
Expand Messages
- Prof. O.M. Mathew needs no introduction to our forum readers.
He has meticulously authored a dissertation on the CMS relation of the Syrians in Kerala.
It is being prepared to be published in the book form through Mor Adai Study Centre.
The DTP work is completed.
We need a support of Rs.35000/- to make it in the print form.
If anyone or a few together can support this work it will be released in a month time in a book form.
I assure that this book will be a blessing to the church, particularly for the English speaking section of our members.
An image of the proposed cover page is attached ( Sorry! it is not proof read).
I earnestly believe that someone will come forward. I willing to acknowledge the support in the book itself.
Anyone interested to co operate please contact me by email (moolelachen@...)or on my
Mobile (cell) phone. +91 944 620 3002
Dr.Kuriakose Corepiscopa Moolayil
Cheeranchira, Changanaserry,
Kerala, Pin: 686 106 India
Tel. +91 481 272 4353
Cell: +91 944 620 3002
Director: Theeram, India Center for Social Change http://www.icsctheeram.org
Director, Mor Adai Study Centre http://www.moradaistudycenter.org
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- Home
- Business & Public Administration
- Features
- Truman Tradition
Truman Tradition
The College of Business and Public Administration has a long tradition of acclaimed Truman Scholarship winners dating back to 1978 to 2011 with UND Students awarded scholarships most recently in 2010 and 2011.
The Truman Scholarship Foundation was established by Congress in 1975 as the federal memorial to our thirty-third President. The Foundation awards scholarships for college students to attend graduate school in preparation for careers in government or elsewhere in public service. The activities of the Foundation are supported by a special trust fund in the US Treasury. There have been 2730 Truman Scholars elected since the first awards were made in 1977.
Students are elected by sixteen independent selection panels on the basis of leadership potential, intellectual ability, and likelihood of 'making a difference.' Each Scholarship provides up to $30,000 for graduate study. Scholars also receive priority admission and supplemental financial aid at some of the premier graduate institutions, leadership training, career and graduate school counseling, and special internship opportunities within the federal government. Recipients must be US citizens, have outstanding leadership potential and communication skills, be in the top quarter of their class, and be committed to careers in government or the not-for-profit sector.
The College of Business & Public Administration is proud to acknowledge the great accomplishments of our most recent Truman Scholarship Winners as well as the well-established tradition from our distinguished Alumni.
"Being awarded a Truman Scholarship encouraged me to go to law school, and it inspired me to explore ways that I could use my law degree outside of a traditional legal practice to shape policy and improve people's lives. It also helped open career doors for me; many employers, especially in non-profit organizations – saw that I was a Truman Scholar and knew that I was committed to their mission." - Jennifer Urff, 1984 Winner
UND WINNERS – Where are they now?
1978 - Karen Rehwaldt–Sand
1981 BA Political Science/Economics
Sand Iron & Steel – Treasurer - Grafton, ND
1979 - Michael Liffrig
1981 BA Economics
1985 JD University of Michigan Ann Arbor
First Court, Inc. - Bismarck, ND
"The Truman Scholarship has kept my mind focused on public service and government affairs for many years. As a result of that focus, I was willing to make a long shot bid for the United States Senate in 2004. That campaign opened many doors for my legal consulting business, as folks in most parts of the United States are quite impressed by the idea of running a statewide race for such a high traffic office. Also, has a direct result of the Scholarship, I was willing to run for and serve as States Attorney in Oliver County from 2006 until 2010."
1982 - Cynthia Beyer-Ulrich
1984 BA History/Political Science
1988 JD University of North Dakota
CH2M Hill –OMI, Municipal Service Contract Manager - Littleton, Colorado
1983 - Peggy Kuhn
1985 BPA Economics
Self Employed – Public Policy Consultant
Formerly, US Senate Banking Committee/Sr. Financial Economist
Arlington, VA
1984 - Jenifer Urff
1986 BA Journalism/Political Science Minor Psychology
1989 JD University of Michigan
Advocates for Human Potential, Inc - Florence, MA
1984 - Kathy Hill
1988 - Denise Flanagan
1990 BPA Public Administration/Political Science – University of North Dakota
1991 MPA with a concentration in Public Finance, Maxwell School of Citizenship & Public
Affairs at Syracuse University.
2007 MS in National Resources Strategy at the Industrial College of the Armed Forces,
National Defense University
Director of Budget for the US Department of Interior - Washington, DC
1990 - Sarah Fugleberg–Flatness
1995 BA Journalism
State Farm Companies Foundation
1992 - Mark Ewen
1992 BA Political Science & Economics – University of North Dakota
1995 MPP University of Michigan
Industrial Economics – Principal and Managing Director - Cambridge, MA
"The scholarship certainly cemented my interest in matters of public policy, and was important, I think, in my acceptance into graduate school. The scholarship also facilitated professional networking opportunities and a wonderful summer internship experience at the U.S. Congressional Budget Office. All of this contributed to the arc of my professional career, which involves, primarily, consulting with various federal and state agencies on the economic effects of environmental policy."
1998 - Jonathan Sickler
1999 BA Political Science/Minor Criminal Justice
2002 JD Harvard Law School
Weil, Gotshal & Manges – Lawyer - Washington, D.C
"The Truman Scholarship changed my life in a couple different ways. First, I was exposed to a diverse group of very intelligent, highly motivated, and talented students who at a young age has already begun to apply their skills to a range of causes and public service initiatives. The second way the Truman Scholarship changed my life was by the doors it opened. The Truman Foundation does a great job of introducing Scholars to various leaders in politics, government, think tanks, media, non-profits and other areas of public service. Perhaps the biggest overall impact on me has been the wonderful friends I made through the Truman Scholar program who continue to motivate and inspire me to serve the public interest as much as when I first met them."
2001 - McLain J. 'Mac' Schneider
2002 BA History/Minor Political Science
Attorney, Schneider State Senator – District 42
"I would say the best thing about being a Truman Scholar is the chance to meet so many bright, kind-hearted people. It's been over a decade since my class was selected, but I still count dozens of Truman Scholars as good friends. Beyond that, the Truman foundation's summer program allowed me to work in Washington, DC, which opened the door to a full-time job with former Congressman Earl Pomeroy, who helped me tremendously in becoming involved in public service in North Dakota. So the scholarship has played a big part in my life, and the money for law school is probably the least of it."
2010 - Grant Hauschild
2011 Political Science & Public Administration
Community & Economic Development Specialist Department of Agriculture-
Rural Development
Washington D.C.
2011 - Erin Barta
Senior (2011) Political Science and Honors/Minor in English
Note: UND had finalists in 2003, 2005, and 2009


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Available Excursions for Barranquilla
<small>View Barranquilla Excursion Map in a larger map</small>
Excursions may not be available for all programs and sessions.
Cartagena de Indias & Islas del Rosario
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cartagena is one of the most well-preserved colonial cities in the Americas. Colorful churches and balconies overflowing with flowers make up the landscape within this walled city. Feel as if you've been transported back in time as you explore the cobblestone... Read More
Coffee Triangle
Optional for some or all sessions
Learn about the culture, cultivation, and history behind Colombia's most famous export in this fertile region in the Andes Mountains. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2011, the Coffee Triangle is home to Colombia's National Coffee Park and countless coffee plantations, many of which... Read More
Guajira Peninsula
The Guajira Peninsula, located just to the northeast of Barranquilla, is home to the indigenous capital of South America along with strikingly beautiful coastal landscapes and a local culture all of its own. During this whirlwind adventure, students will explore the regional capital city of... Read More
Leticia & The Amazon Jungle
Optional for some or all sessions
Journey to the far corners of the country where Colombia, Peru and Brazil all meet deep in the heart of the Amazon jungle. From your base in the Amazonian city of Leticia, take a boat up river past pink dolphins and giant lily pads on your way to explore an incredible monkey island. Be sure to... Read More
Tayrona National Park & Minca
Journey to Tayrona National Park, one of the most popular national parks in all of Colombia. Students will either hike or ride a horse about 2 hours along a picturesque coastal trail ending at one of the most beautiful beaches in Colombia (and maybe even South America). Stay the night in a beach... Read More
Usiacuri & Totumo Volcano
Start the day by traveling to Usiacuri, a small town located in the rolling hills about an hour south of Barranquilla. Usiacuri is known for it's long tradition of quality handicrafts made of locally grown palm leaves. Visit the local museum for renowned Colombian poet Julio Florez, one of the... Read More


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Dick Blick Art Materials · P.O. Box 1267 · Galesburg, IL 61402-1267 · Toll-free Phone (800) 828-4548 International Phone +1-309-343-6181 ext. 5402 · Fax (800) 621-8293
Dick Blick Art Materials®, Blick®, Blick Studio®, and Artists Pick Blick® are registered trademarks ofDick Blick Holdings Inc. © Copyright 1999-2017 Dick Blick Holdings Inc. All rights reserved.


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Movie-Trip musts
Kit: Sundance Film Festival
You might think: packing for the Sundance Film Festival, all I need are my spectacles, some comfy corduroys and a family box of Goobers chocolate-coated peanuts. That might be fine if you're heading to Smitty's Cinema in Tilton, NH, to watch That Awkward Moment with your friend Dennis, but not for America's premiere independent film festival. This is Sundance, baby. This is A-list. This is Redford country. We had boots on the ground this year, and we packed to work remotely, hit Main Street in (relative) style and take the edge off back at the condo.


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We are confident, knowledgeable, and experienced with over 25 years in the in the industry Intec Services is the IN CHOICE!
Intec Services Inc. (INTEC) has the expertise for the inspection and analysis of steel and wood utility structures. INTEC technicians utilize the latest techniques and analysis software to perform intrusive wood pole inspections and remedial preservative treatments. For steel structures, INTEC utilizes NDE technologies to inspect both the upper and lower portions of the structure. This includes both tubular steel and lattice structures. INTEC also has expertise to inspect fiberglass and concrete poles, as well as laminated wood structures, making Intec the leader in Pole Inspection Services.
With its longstanding background in wood pole inspection, Intec understands the effectiveness of a wood pole inspection and maintenance program is dependent upon the experience of inspection personnel. Factors to consider in a thorough inspection include knowledge of the climate of the region, initial treatment adequacy, efficacy and frequency of remedial treatment applications, pole species, age in service, historical performance, and management's support for the objectives for the program.
Wood pole systems supporting overhead lines are typically properly treated, under-utilized, and conservatively maintained. However, conventional inspection programs rarely attempt to estimate remaining life, define the ability to support the existing load, define safety under certain loading conditions, etc. Intec's approach goes past conventional practices to incorporate state-of-the-art tools, well-trained staff and methodologies specific to the need.
INTEC was founded in 1992 by EDM International and POWER Engineers for fielding specially trained mobile technicians for the purpose of collecting field data utilizing the latest technologies for both assessment as well as data acquisition. Intec's Personnel ranges from linemen to trained electrical workers specializing in inspection, data acquisition, and minor repairs of electrical facilities. INTEC's corporate office is located in Fort Collins, CO, and INTEC's provides inspection, remedial treatment, and restoration services throughout North America. INTEC is active in many utility trade organizations, including ANSI 05.1, AWPA, and Oregon State University Pole Cooperative.
Additional information on INTEC and the services INTEC provides can be found at www.intecservicesinc.com, or by calling 970.482.6550.


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"Pretty Little Liars" (8 p.m., ABC Family): Are Ali's fibs about to catch up to her? She may hurt an innocent man and fall into A's trap if she lies to the Rosewood police about who abducted her. Maybe Emily can persuade her to do the right thing.
"The War Comes Home" (9 p.m., CNN): This moving special follows two young veterans as they enter a new program to deal with the anguish of post-traumatic stress disorder and other personal hardships. Soledad O'Brien reports.
"The Singles Project" (10 p.m., Bravo): This new unscripted series claims to be America's first "real-time" interactive dating show. It gives viewers a chance to weigh in on — and possibly affect — the action as a group of New York hotties seek love and romance.
Also on Tuesday:
Contact Chuck Barney at Facebook.com/BayAreaNewsGroup.ChuckBarney, or Twitter.com/chuckbarney


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Beretta A400 Xplor 20-Gauge
Fans of the 12-gauge Beretta A400 Xplor will be excited to learn that the new year is bringing the cutting edge technology to a smaller, lighter 20-gauge offering. The A400 Xplor 20-gauge retains all the features of its bigger brother, yet in a package that swings with ease and points even better. The select walnut stock and forearm are oil finished with Beretta's Xtra-Grain Technology, while the receiver is an attractive and highly functional bronze-toned aluminum alloy. The gun tips the scales at a feathery 5 pounds. Twenty-six-inch and 28-inch barreled versions are available. ($1,598; berettausa.com)
This article originally appeared in the January 28, 2013 issue of the newly-redesigned Gun Digest the Magazine. Click here for more information and to subscribe!
Recommended resources for shotgunners:
The Gun Digest Book of Shotgunning
Gunsmithing Shotguns: PDF Download
Shop GunDigestStore.com for more books, DVDs and downloads


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On Thursday lucky Comic-Con audiences in Hall H got to see the opening 10 minutes of Terry Gilliam's new science fiction film, "The Zero Theorem," starring Christoph Waltz, Matt Damon and Tilda Swinton.
(Thanks to Elias for this trailer tip).
Looks like lunacy. I'm in.
Looks awesome! Really like the weirdness of Monty Python and The Adventures of Baron Munchausen was a childhood favorite and this looks better then Brothers Grimm, so I'm excited!
I'm confused, where were Matt Damon and Tilda Swinton?
Big failure movie based on this trailer.
Thierry is adorable! <3
Define "failure". Financial? The film only cost 8,5 million $ and it's likey to be paid by international sales, Tv sales and home video alone.
Artistic? Well, if you are accustomed to Michael Bay movies only you could find it lacking.
I saw the trailer and 12 minues of various scenes, I read the script, I've been a fan of Gilliam for 2 decades. Christoph Waltz is my favorite actor. To me this film is no failure, any way it might go, this film to me is a dream come true. I understand it's not everyone's cup of tea, but I will keep on supporting it 100%. And it seems it is in competition at the Venice Film Festival next month, so it cannot be that bad.
Anything Terry Gilliam directs is well worth your time, effort and money.
The man is a genius.
I'll be seeing this movie on opening day.
It's a shame AMPAS has failed to recognize his directorial achievements in the past (nary a nomination).


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Jill Felska and Jenn Krenn became fast friends while working at a firm in Chicago after college. One day, Felska mentioned she was reading Making a Living Without a Job by Barbara Winter. They got on the topic of entrepreneurship and quickly realized they had similar ambitions about owning their own businesses. As they discussed their dreams and ideas, Felska threw out that they should quit their jobs and just go for it together; Krenn agreed. Now, the two are the co-founders of POP! Social Media, providing social media branding and management services to companies.
Neither Felska or Krenn had a background in business, so they needed a little help to get started.
"We were blissfully naïve, says Felska." "That being said, we took our research very, very seriously." They hit the library to find the best books on business, scoured the Internet for advice, and met with other entrepreneurs. They knew there was a need for what they were selling - the importance of social media for businesses is essential today in the Internet age. The two realized they weren't going to make it big overnight, but they were willing to give it their all.
"We felt that with enough dedication and perseverance, our passion and personality would shine through and show potential clients the value we bring to the table," Krenn says. And it did. In addition to their company, the two also host a blog, PursuingOurPassion.com. Felska and Krenn are now working to help others achieve their dreams.
"We've realized many people have dream careers, and others who have landed theirs want to help the next generation," says Felska. "This led to us launching DreamChamps.com - a network that will bring together dreamers and champions." Krenn adds that this project makes the two "dance in our chairs while we work!"
Felska and Krenn can count themselves among the growing number of women entrepreneurs. One study estimated that nearly 1 in 11 U.S. women owns their own business, accounting for $2 to $3 trillion in revenue. Their journey hasn't been without uncertainty and struggle, but they are an amazing example for any young woman with entrepreneurial sights.
So what advice do they give others who want to pursue their dreams?
"Recognize that the biggest battles you face today will seem insignificant one year from now," says Krenn. "Whether a business idea succeeds or falls flat, life keeps moving, and it's not worth it to pause and dwell on what could or did go wrong."
Felska adds, "Don't be afraid to take risks. We've been raised to color inside the lines, get the 'right' answer and blend in. Don't. Pushing boundaries and taking risks is the only way you can truly explore just exactly how you can use your talents to create or do something amazing. Don't be afraid to be different, take a chance or make a mistake." Images courtesy of PursuingOurPassion.com


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Editor's Viewpoint: Music to the ears
One of Northern Ireland's most famous sons returns home this weekend to give us a demonstration of his world renowned talent.
Flautist Sir James Galway will be taking part in a special concert to mark his 70th birthday.
Life has been good to the man from north Belfast who once played in a flute band but who now lives in Switzerland and wows huge audiences around the globe. It is therefore something of a surprise to learn that he would not encourage any young person to become a full-time musician because of the high demands of the profession.
Fortunately, that was advice he didn't follow himself. Happy birthday, Sir James.


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Thu 29th Nov 2012 9:00amOCEAN101CLOUD9 SURF RESORT's Cloud 9 Surf Report
Swell height and swell condition almost same from yesterday, the looking and poor swell condition continues.. swell about 1ft ENE primary with Secondary swell of NE up to waist high with some up to chest high short and messy. the strong winds blowing onshore and forecast stayed onshore all day. the sun shine with clear skies and rough seas. high tide at 6:30am as of 9am zero crowd.
View the Cloud 9 Surf Report and Forecast. OCEAN101CLOUD9 SURF RESORT's Reports have received a total of 514886 views.
This report has received 311 views since 29/11/12.


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Pupils and staff at a primary school in Haywards Heath have helped it become the first to achieve a gold School Games kitemark in recognition of sporting achievements.
During a year in which many British athletes have been awarded gold medals as a result of their spectacular sporting performances, Harlands Primary School has also struck sporting gold.
The school says that one of the reasons that Harlands received the accolade was because of the achievements of the school's many sporting teams.
But it also says the strong links Harlands has with other local sporting clubs, the extent to which pupils are involved in the organisation of sporting events and most significantly the vast number of the school's pupils who had represented differing school teams, were also key standards that the school had to meet.
Dave Simmonds, the school's PE co-ordinator, said: "In many ways, this award is more important than any of the trophies won by our sporting teams, as it recognises the efforts of each and every one of those people involved in school sport across our whole school community."


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Avoid Scams and Fraud - Potential areas of fraud: wire transfer, moneygrams, money orders, cashier checks, shipping, escrow, "transaction protection", "guarantee". Check out the Buyer Safety section for more info.


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Staten Island Delegation Join Family of Caroline Wimmer in Push to Modernize Criminal Laws; Protect Crime Victims
ALBANY, N.Y. – The Staten Island Legislative Delegation joined the family of the late Caroline Wimmer, on the second anniversary of her tragic death, to push for the passage of important legislation named in her memory.
The bill, (S.3958/A.6376), would make it a felony for public servants to broadcast unauthorized crime scene images that were taken during the course of their official duties.
In March 2009, an EMT responding to the scene of Wimmer's death posted a picture of the victim on Facebook. This photo was later discovered by Caroline's mother, Marti Wimmer.
Under current laws, which were not written with social media sites, or other technological advances in mind, the EMT could only be charged with a misdemeanor. "Caroline's Law" would bring New York's laws up to speed with advancing technology and prevent future victims and their families the pain caused by similar heinous acts.
"No family should go through what we have had to endure," Marti Wimmer said. "There needs to be real consequences when the people who are supposed to help instead cause more pain to those who were hurt, and those who are grieving for their loved ones."
"We must make sure that our laws keep pace with evolving technology," said Senator Diane Savino, (D-Staten Island/ Brooklyn), the prime sponsor of the bill in the State Senate. "Caroline's Law will ensure that any public official who commits such a disgraceful and insensitive act will face jail time and will, hopefully, save families like the Wimmers from the double victimization that occurs as a result of these reprehensible instances."
Caroline's Law would create the crime of dissemination of a crime scene. This would make it a class E felony for a public servant, while in the course of his or her duties, to record a still image or motion picture of a crime scene and publicly broadcast, or publish, that image. As a class E felony, this would be punishable by 1 to 4 years behind bars.
"It is unfortunate that this legislation is even necessary," said Assemblyman Michael Cusick, (D-Staten Island), the prime Assembly sponsor. "To the dismay of most New Yorkers, common courtesy has become uncommon. Caroline's Law would make it a felony for a public worker to disseminate insensitive, appalling images of injured or deceased people. This law will not only bring the penal system into the 21st century, but also will deter those who would take images or video of a ghastly accident or crime scene."
The EMT, Mark Musarella, was charged official conduct, a misdemeanor. He later pleaded to a reduced charge of disorderly conduct, a violation that is the equivalent of trespassing, or possession of a small amount of marijuana. He was sentenced to 200 hours of community service and no jail time.
"It is imperative that the law requires that crime scenes, especially those involving the death of another, are treated with professionalism and respect," said Senator Andrew Lanza. "This law will advance that principle."
"Mark Musarella acted with cold indifference to Caroline Wimmer's family at a time when they were facing the worst tragedy of their lives," said Assemblyman Matthew Titone, (D-Staten Island). "This new law will deter anyone from hurting a crime victim's family in such a way again."
"There is absolutely no reason a public employee - particularly someone entrusted to protect and provide for the safety of this city's residents - should need to publish or disseminate crime scene photos for personal use or benefit. And if common decency or simple human empathy does not compel them not to do it, maybe the prospect of a prison time and a criminal record will," said Staten Island District Attorney Daniel M. Donovan Jr.
Safe Horizon, one of the nation's leading victim assistance organizations serving over 250,000 people whose lives have been touched by violence, has issued a memorandum in support of this bill: "Increasing the penalty for this level of wrongdoing to a Class E Felony will send a powerful message to those who might abuse their official duties when responding to crime scenes. We urge the State Assembly and the State Senate respectively to pass this bill, and we urge Governor Cuomo to sign it into law."


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Make Your Stay Super
Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and more
Enjoy in-room amenities like free high-speed Internet access and work desk, as well as a lounge chair and ottoman to put your feet up while you watch Internet-enabled TV. Join us for a free SuperStart continental breakfast. Prepare for that meeting with free use of our lobby computer. Non-smoking rooms are available.
The Spirit of Exploration
Stroll in a park, discover ancient China, or check out an 1,800-year-old tower
When the business of the day is done, explore East and South Lake, or go for a relaxing walk in beautiful Qingshan Park or Peace Park, both near our hotel. See ancient China on display in the exhibitions and replicas at Hubei Provincial Museum, or make plans to see the 1,800-year-old Yellow Crane Tower on the banks of the Yangtze River.
Plan Your Group Travel With Us
Book your wedding party, sports team, or other group travel at our hotel. Submit your request for information about special rates on blocks of rooms.