Library and Information Services in Astronomy IV (LISA IV)

The fourth conference on Library and Information Services in Astronomy
(LISA IV), was held July 2-5, 2002, in Prague, Czech Republic, and was
hosted by the Astronomical Institute of Charles University and the
Astronomical Institute of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech
Republic.  The conference theme, "Emerging and Preserving:  Providing
Astronomical Information in the Digital Age", emphasized the vast
changes librarians and other information professionals are facing today,
not only in methods of information delivery and the kinds of information
being delivered, but also in innovative ways of preserving and
presenting to users an array of older and historical materials.  While
electronic formats for information have become standard in the field and
librarians are taking on new and diversified roles, demands for
traditional services continue, and there is increased recognition of the
importance of both accessibility and archiving of older materials. 
LISA IV provided an opportunity to examine the state-of-the-art of
information maintenance, delivery, and preservation, to learn from
invited experts the directions in which our profession is moving, and to
be inspired by a variety of ideas and projects presented by colleagues
from around the world.  The conference brought together almost one
hundred librarians, astronomers, publishers, and computer specialists
representing astronomical institutes, observatories, and affiliated
organizations worldwide.
Sessions focused on mastering new roles and new tools; physical vs
electronic libraries; trends, collaborations and models in electronic
publications; networking among astronomy librarians; virtual observatory
projects; preservation and history of astronomy; bibliometrics; library
user requirements; and innovative services and projects in developing
countries.  The 30 excellent poster presentations gave further insight
into ongoing projects and developments in astronomy libraries and
institutes, and provided a glimpse of the rich history and varied
collections of a diverse group of libraries.

The Scientific Organizing Committee (SOC), which developed the program
for the meeting, included four SLA-PAM members:  Liz Bryson
(Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope Corp.) as one of the co-chairs, and SOC
members Christina Birdie (Indian Institute of Astrophysics), Brenda
Corbin (United States Naval Observatory), and Uta Grothkopf (European
Southern Observatory).  The venue for the meeting was a
recently-refurbished, state-of-the-art conference hall in a historic
Charles University building in the center of the old city of Prague. The
Local Organizing Committee did a marvelous job arranging everything
from technical support for speakers to elegant food at coffee breaks and
receptions to a wonderful evening concert held in the great hall of one
of the university's oldest buildings.

As was the case with previous LISA conferences, a "Friends of LISA
(FOL)" committee began fundraising more than a year prior to the
conference.  The committee, consisting of SLA-PAM members Ellen Bouton
(National Radio Astronomy Observatory), Brenda Corbin (United States
Naval Observatory), Marlene Cummins (University of Toronto), along with
Ron Enders, raised US$18,275.  That total included a grant from the SLA
Endowment Fund, as well as contributions from publishers, institutions,
and individual librarians; many donations from individuals were made in
memory of Joyce Watson, an active PAM member who died in August 2001.
The money was used to provide grants for travel, registration fees, and
expenses to librarians from developing countries.  The FOL Committee was
delighted to be able to assist a record 29 librarians from 12
countries.  The presence of these colleagues greatly enriched the
meeting for all attendees; FOL grantees were enthusiastic participants
in the conference and will most certainly have much to share in their
home institutions and countries.

The conference proceedings will be published later this year by the U.S.
Naval Observatory.  As papers proceed through the editorial process,
electronic versions will be available on the Web at
http://www.eso.org/libraries/lisa4/

All who attended the conference were energized and inspired, and we look
forward to meeting again at LISA V in approximately four years.

Ellen Bouton
for the Friends of LISA IV Committee