Micropublishing activities for United Nations and specialized agency documentation: Status and comment

Abstract Microformatted government publications of the United Nations and specialized agencies take on increased importance during the forthcoming years as material is made available in a microformat. Recent activities suggest that more materials will be made available in such formats, increased concern for bibliographic control is being evidenced, and more products from commercial micropublishers can be expected. Given this environment, a review of the current status of micropublishing at the United Nations and Specialized agencies appears to be most appropriate. The column is especially fortunate to have as its guest contributor, Mary K. Fetzer, Documents Librarian at Rutgers University Library. She brings to this topic a broad background of experience and knowledge. In the following contribution, she reviews the status of official and commercial micropublishing activities involving the United Nations and specialized agency documentation. Furthermore, she addresses problems of bibliographic control and access, and urges all parties involved in micropublishing to coordinate their activities. She stresses the need to establish linkages among the various agencies and micropublishers to enhance broader visibility of the documentation and to promote successful coexistence among official and commercial micropublishers. From a user's perspective, such coordination is absolutely essential. If users feel “lost” with U.S. government documents, many feel “hopelessly lost” with U.N. documentation. The move to microformatted materials and the confusing cast of characters associated with their production will only add to the user's further despair. However, as Fetzer suggests, much can be done to improve overall access and visibility of these important information resources. Her analysis will provide a basis for possible improvements and increased utility for the user.