1. International training programs in Brussels related to scientific information and ICT Paul.Nieuwenhuysen@vub.ac.be Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, B-1050 Brussels Universiteit Antwerpen Belgium

2. These slides as well as the full text paper are available from http://www.vub.ac.be/BIBLIO/nieuwenhuysen/presentations/ (note: BIBLIO and not biblio)

3. Overview / Contents contents of the programs the target audience programs organised up to now teachers and contributors the participants costs / sponsors / grants participation fee methods to announce the programs difficulties and lessons learned the future of these programs co-operation in such programs?!

4. Contents of the international training programs 3 or 4 months of training on Information and communication technology as a required tool Information retrieval from external sources Internal, local information management, using computers and networks Communication, co-operation, management, related to information access

5. Target audience of the international training programs Primarily for participants from scientific/technological institutes in developing countries ( >2/3 from equatorial Africa) with an academic or similar educational background who perform a role as information intermediary (librarian, information expert, information scientist...) who will be able to apply the acquired skills and knowledge in their home country who can teach what has been learned to others in an early stage of their career

6. International training programs organised up to now (Part 1) on Management of Information in Science and Technology = MIST 1, 2, 3 with an emphasis on water and the environment in 1991, in 1994, in 1995/1996 on Knowledge Organisation for Water - Hydrology, Oceanography and Water-resources management = KNOW-HOW in 1997/1998

7. International training programs organised up to now International training courses of 3 or 4 months on Management of Information in Science and Technology = MIST with an emphasis on water and the environment in 1991, in 1994, in 1995/1996 on Knowledge Organisation for Water - Hydrology, Oceanography and Water-resources management = KNOW-HOW in 1997/1998

8. International training programs organised up to now (Part 2) on Scientific and Technological Information Management in Universities and Libraries: an Active Training Environment = STIMULATE 1, 2, 3 This initiative is aimed at academic professionals working in universities and libraries, including of course university libraries. in 2000, 2002, 2003

9. Teachers and contributors Up to now: More than 50 experts from Belgium The Netherlands UNESCO Headquarters in Paris Italy England Slovakia USA …

10. Participants / students from various developing countries

13. Financial aspects of the international training programs

14. Costs: about US$ 120 000 euro to organise 1 program. Sponsors: » the Belgian government contributing about US$ 100 000 euro to each course! »(UNESCO-International Hydrological Program) »(The British Council) Grants for travel and accommodation are available for 12 selected participants from developing countries from the Belgian Government

15. Fee for participation to one of the international training programs More than 100 applications for a grant have been received for each program that was organised. Persons who do NOT receive a grant from the Belgian Government can participate after paying a participation fee of US$ 2 000 euro. (This does NOT include travel, accommodation, food.)

16. Methods to announce the international training programs Printed leaflets and posters sent by the inter-university council (VLIR) to the Belgian embassies in developing countries Electronic mail by the organizers to »individuals in developing countries »relevant interest groups (discussion groups) »journal editors in the domain of information science World-Wide Web sites »of VLIR: http://www.vlir.be/ under development co-operationhttp://www.vlir.be/ »of the organizers: http://www.vub.ac.be/BIBLIO/itp/http://www.vub.ac.be/BIBLIO/itp/

17. Difficulties and lessons learned concerning the participants Heterogeneity in every group of participants concerning »cultural background »personal and professional interests and motivation »professional expertise Limited experience of participants with international travel Cultural and human impact of a stay in Belgium? Unrealistic expectations of some participants who do not expect any financial limitations in Belgium

18. Difficulties and lessons learned concerning the organisation Identifying and involving competent teachers who can adapt well to this special audience Project approach by the sponsor / Lack of continuity in assisting staff Lack of support for follow-up of participants after the program Accommodation is hard to find and expensive in Brussels

19. The future of these international training programs We hope to continue. Another program is expected October-November-December 2004 named STIMULATE 4

20. Co-operation related to international training programs!? The most important aim of this contribution is to make clear that we are interested in future co-operation with other organisations with similar aims.

21. Co-operation related to international training programs!? On the one hand YOU are invited to bring us into contact with competent and motivated teachers (in particular experts who are aware of special tools and methods relevant for developing countries) announce our future programs to suitable candidates provide grants to allow participation by suitable candidates

22. Co-operation related to international training programs!? On the other hand WE can offer some co-operation with other institutes and similar initiatives, by sharing our experience that has been built-up over the years and by contributing in other teaching activities