The International Association of Technical University Libraries and its activities

Abstract

The idea of the foundation of the IATUL (International Association of Technical University Libraries) was first suggested in 1953. The Association started its activities in 1955 and, since then is as a special section of the IFLA (International Federation of Library Associations). The post of the president was first filled in by E. Hemlin (Sweden) (1955-1962) followed by L. J. van der Wolk (Netherlands) (1962-1966) and by J. D. Mack (USA) (from 1966 on). During the presidency of L. J. van der Wolk the activities of the Association started to expand. The IATUL is gowerned by a board constituted out of six members. The board meets twice a year and organizes every three years a so called Triennial Working Party which offers an opportunity to discuss matters of great importance and having public interest. In May 1967 membership of the IATUL amounted to 96 members from 30 countries.
The IATUL regards as its most important objective to establish cooperation between technical university libraries. The main points of its programme include the mechanization of library work, the techniques and technology of reprography and the storage and retrieval of information. The programme further envisages - among others to establish a telex-network between the members to realize a free of charge or sheap interlibrary-loan system and reprography service the incorporation of the training in special literature sources at the university level, the exchange of library experts.
The IATUL promotes the cooperation of its members, improves their contacts and realizes its programme by issuing circular letters, by publishing the Proceedings of the IATUL, by publishing studies by renowned experts and by organizing special seminars.
The membership in IATUL is for the Hungarian Technical University Libraries both important and advantageous. It offers an opportunity for international publication of their results and, in addition, the valuable achievements of other members may serve as a guide for future development.
Membership in IATUL can be obtained by libraries of technical universities, universities and technical high schools, which run engineering courses and have the right to confer the title of "Doctor of Technical Sciences".