The Web site, which was started 6 May, 1998, is an idea by Bakheet Beshtawy. A counter is provided, indicating I was the 2,901st visitor at the time of my review. A link is provided to contact the “owner” either directly or through an address for the Virtual Library Association (VLA).
The information provided at the site is in a logical format. Bulleted headings are provided for six areas: About VLA, VLA Board, Membership, VLA Journal, Internet Resources, and Worldwide Meeting Year 2000. Links to the above and two other options, Contact Us and Online Nomination Form, are provided on the home page.
The section, About VLA, gives the viewer the aim of the Association. The aim is “to work as an information source for libraries, archives, and information centers at an international level.” A link is provided on this page for membership.
No cost membership is open to all academics, research students, and professionals who share the objectives of the Association. An online membership form is provided as well as a directory of its members. It was interesting to note membership statistics also existed by country. Thirty‐seven countries were represented, totaling 154 members.
Another link is to the VLA Board. Two individuals were listed who are coordinators to the end of elections. Five positions were posted and a schedule was provided for online elections. The dates for the elections were December 1998. No information is provided as to the outcome of the elections.
A link to a collection of Internet Resources for Library and Information Sciences is under construction. Another link, which is under construction, is the VLA Journal. I was disappointed to find nothing. A link to the first issue (January 1999) is provided, but we are told it is under construction.
A worldwide meeting is scheduled for March 2000. Participants are invited to enjoy their stay for three days with people of the same interests. No conference proceedings, workshops, seminars, or training courses are going to be scheduled. No further information was provided as to the location of this meeting.
Overall, the Web site is in its infancy. The idea has a good beginning and, depending on its membership, the possibilities of its success may be endless. This may be a Web site to watch. I would suggest library students and professionals visit this site occasionally to follow its progress.
