Convergence in Germany: the Information, Communication and Media Center (ICMC/IKMZ) of Cottbus University

ISSN： 0737-8831

Source： Library Hi Tech, Vol.24, Iss.3, 2006-07, pp. : 430-439

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Abstract

Purpose - The aim of this paper is to ask why the libraries and the computer and media centres of German universities are picking up too little to improve the conditions for learning, teaching and research. Design/methodology/approach - With the founding of the Information, Communication and Media Center/Informations-, Kommunikations- und Medienzentrums (ICMC/IKMZ), the central services of the Brandenburg Technical University of Cottbus (BTU Cottbus) library, computer center, multimedia center and administrative data processing were combined on a common management level, and the prerequisites for the development of integrated information management were created. Findings - On this basis the following goal was set: the realization of more efficient organizational structures for a broad spectrum of customer- and service-oriented information, communications and media (ICM) offers for research, teaching and administration. Originality/value - The paper gives an overview of German discussion on the convergence of services, and presents the ICMC/IKMZ of Cottbus University as an example of a converged institution.