The electronic journal of the Department of the Information Studies of the Tallinn Pedagogical University "Infofoorum" is a proof of the fact that information environment has really changed and that the possibilities of exchanging information in a world-wide scale have altered (Rector of the TPU, prof. Mait Arvisto, Nov.13, 1996).
To the presentation of the electronic journal of the Department of Information Studies of TPU "Infofoorum" on November 13, 1996 at 3 p.m. the leaders of the university, colleagues from other Departments of the university, public figures connected with the subject and representatives of the press were invited. It was nice to notice a keen interest towards the new journal, the lecture hall, where the presentation of the "Infofoorum" took place was too small for all the participants to move freely.
The marketing manager of the journal Aira Lepik introduced the editorial board and gave word to the editor Sirje Virkus. According to the words of Sirje Virkus the idea of creating the journal emerged within the framework of the discipline "Contemporary Problems of Information Science" in the fall of 1995. Before starting, the already existing electric journals in library and information sciences were analysed thoroughly. The editorial board discussed the trends and directions of development in this field and worked successfully as a team.
The electronic form of the journal seemed to be the most appropriate as the rapid development of information and communication technology is evident especially in information sciences. Therefore the globality of the so-called Web-publications in the sense of availibility and extension in the user's aspect is essential in spreading and using the subject information.
The opening words of Sirje Virkus were followed by the presentation of the journal.
In the articles of the first issue emphasis was made on the introduction of the activities of the Department of Information Studies of the Tallinn Pedagogical University. Aira Lepik gives an overview of the traditions and possibilities of the library education in the Department, Sirje Virkus analyzes distance education as a modern form and method of education in library and information studies, Evi Rannap makes a summary of scientific work done by the Department.
Tiina Markus and Ülle-Marike Papp deal with the changes in the the profession of a librarian in the changing context, Elviine Uverskaja introduces Estonians included in the international reference book "Who's Who".
In the column "Interview" professor Kalervo Järvelin from the Department of Information Studies of the University of Tampere answers to the questions by Sirje Virkus about the changing role of libraries and librarians and trends in professional education in the context of changes.
In the column of facts, events and comments a short overview is given of events that have taken place and will be held in library and information world, where the lecturers of the Department of Information Studies have participated or will participate.
The presentation of "Infofoorum" convinced the participants in the necessity of the electronic journals and in following speeches and public convention the advantages of a network journal compared with traditional information resources and services were often pointed out. Hypertext links with other network resources give electronic publications a totally new dimension compared to traditional ones.
Rector of the TPU Mait Arvisto congratulated the Department of Information Studies on publishing the electronic journal, emphasizing the modernness, innovativity and professionalism of "Infofoorum".
Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences professor Mati Heidmets stressed in his speech the role of "Infofoorum" in the context of Tallinn, Estonian universities, TPU and the Faculty of Social Sciences. Prof. M. Heidmets thanked the successful ladies of the Department of Information Studies in giving such a journal to the Faculty.
The Academical Prorector of TPU, Deans of the Departments of Culture and Educational Sciences, colleagues from the different Departments of TPU and library were present in the presentation. It was also nice to notice the big interest of the representatives of Estonian academic libraries towards the electronic professional journal - colleagues from the Estonian National Library, Library of the Tallinn Technical University, Library of the Concordia University, director of the Estonian Information Fund Ustus Agur, director of the joint-stock company "Teek" Toomas Etverk, representatives of the Estonian Librarians Association and the editor of the only Estonian journal of librarianship "Raamatukogu" Ene Riet had came to the take part in the event. They all expresssed their enthuasiasm over the new journal and praised its modern form.
Editor Sirje Virkus summoned up the presenation by saying: "I hope that "Infofoorum" will become a real forum for raising and discussing the professional problems of library and information workers and a journal giving information to all the people interested in problems of the information world. Thanks to all who helped in publishing the first number and I hope for continuing resultant co-operation".
