Government responses to HCP 399-I, session 2003-04 (ISBN 0215018559)

This book is aimed at the practicing academic librarian, especially those working on the 'front lines' of reference, instruction, collection development, and other capacities that involve dealing directly with library patrons in a time of changing scholarly communication paradigms. The book looks at open access from the perspective of a practicing academic librarian and challenges fellow librarians to continue the dialogue about how the movement might be affecting day-to-day library work and the future of academic libraries. - Written by a practicing academic librarian with many years experience in reference, as well as in collection development and faculty liaison roles - Written with the "front-line academic librarian in mind from a practical point of view - Contains numerous references to refer the reader to many open access resources; includes extensive footnotes for further reading

The Stationery Office annual catalogue 2011 provides a comprehensive source of bibliographic information on over 4900 Parliamentary, statutory and official publications - from the UK Parliament, the Northern Ireland Assembly, and many government departments and agencies - which were issued in 2011.

It is estimated that, worldwide, about 700 large commercial vessels have to be scrapped each year, as they reach the end of their working life. Much of the material they are made from can be recycled, but many ships also contain hazardous materials, such as asbestos, PCBs and waste oils, which need to be disposed of safely. The Committee's report considers how defunct ships are dismantled and why most are currently dismantled in developing countries, mostly in Asia; health and safety protection for workers, and environmental protection standards; the international regulatory framework, including legislation such as the Basel Convention and EC regulations, IMO guidelines and enforcement problems; the principles of responsible ship recycling; the Government's approach to ship recycling and a UK ship recycling industry. Findings include that the Government has an important role to play in ensuring this issue receives sufficient international priority, particularly during the UK's forthcoming EU Presidency and chairmanship of the G8; as well at home in helping persuade UK-based shipowners to arrange for their vessels to be disposed of responsibly. As a first step, it should ensure that all naval and other publicly-owned vessels are dismantled to the highest health, safety and environmental standards.

The Committees report examines the actions that will be necessary to adapt to changes in flooding and water availability caused by climate change. There are a number of steps that the Government should take to reduce future flood risk, with a key consideration being the planning of new housing developments to avoid building on flood plains, where possible. Where this is necessary, developments should be designed to be as resilient as possible to flooding, utilising sustainable drainage systems and including areas such as parks in order to contain floodwater. Existing sewer systems will need upgrading and new systems must be built to cope with higher storm flows. Greater attention needs to be paid by the Government to the issue of water shortages due to drier summers, including considering alternative water pricing mechanisms to relate costs more directly to amount used, and ensuring building regulations pay greater attention to water efficiency. Water companies must also do more to reduce water leakages.

Agriculture plays a larger role in the economies of the new Member states of the EU than it does in EU-15. There have thus been fears of the market being flooded by cheap agricultural exports and controversy about the extension of CAP payments. This report, therefore, looks at the impact of enlargement on agriculture both in the new Member states and in the UK. It concludes that structural fragmentation and the lack of capital investment mean that the new Member states are not in a position to undermine EU agricultural markets. However there are concerns about the quality of inspection and food quality. For the UK the Committee think that enlargement is more of a challenge than a threat, especially if the government does more to help promote UK food exports and investments.

Examines current issues in journals publishing and reviews how the industry will develop over the next few years. With contributions from leading academics and industry professionals, the book provides an authoritative and balanced view of this fast-changing area. There are a variety of views surrounding the future of journals and these are covered using a range of contributors. Online access is now taken for granted - 90 per cent of journals published are now available online, an increase from 75 per cent in 2003. - Looks at a fast moving and vital area for academics and publishers - Contains contributions from leading international figures from universities and publishers