The Directory of online European information, 1st ed., 1998

The Directory of online European information 1998:
Could one nowadays rely exclusively on electronically accessed information to find out about the European Union? This may be a rhetorical question and one whose answer would partly depend on a clarification of what type of information about the European Union is required, the budget available and on more human matters such as the difficulty of reading a screen continuously for an extended period of time. Working in a well-resourced European Documentation Centre with an extensive collection of printed documentation from both EU and non-EU sources clearly colours my own experience, but the situation might well be different for someone in another working environment. For all those working with European information, in whatever circumstances, electronically accessed European information is now a fundamental and essential resource.

Such thoughts are prompted by a new, ambitious and innovative title from Landmarks called 'The Directory of online European information', which attempts to describe comprehensively electronically accessed information related to the European Union. Presented in the same attractive house style which will be familiar to many from Landmarks highly regarded 'European Public Affairs Directory', the new title covers the following categories of source: on-line European Union databases; on-line commercial databases; Internet; CD-ROMs; Diskettes. For each source the following standardised information is given: Description: providing a brief overview of the product, including who produces it and how often it is updated; Content: showing what is included in the product; Language: indicating which languages are covered; Price: the price of the product in € or the local currency; Access: explaining how to access the product; Related products/services: showing where to find out more information about the product or what other versions are available; Contact: details of who to contact for further information.

In addition, there is a reference section listing contact information for CD-ROM distributors, official gateways, sales agents and the Eurostat data shop network. There are also three indexes by product, subject and source.

Such a source will need regular updating in this fast evolving field but it is a genuine addition to the range of European information guides and is to be highly recommended.

Potter, Catherine
The Directory of online European information 1998
Landmarks, 1998
Price: 5,500 BFr (+ postage)

From: Landmarks SA, Avenue de Tervuren 402, B-1150, Brussels, Belgium. Tel: +32-2-779-9549: Fax: +32-2-779-95-63