Description: This paper discusses the origins of SIG-III and its 30 years' journey. Abstract: In this panel we will discuss the origins of the Special Interest Group for International Information Issues (SIG-III) of the American Society for Information Science & Technology (ASIS&T) and its early years. In addition to the reflections of the last 30 years, Toni Carbo (one of the co-founders of SIG-III), Nadia Caidi (SIG-III Advisory board member), Anatoliy Gruzd (Social Media Administrator), Daniel Alemneh (SIG-III Chair), and Abebe Rorissa (SIG-III Chair-elect) look forward and discuss the future of the SIG-III including strategies to facilitate collaborations and information exchanges globally.

Description: This paper accompanies a poster presentation discussing repurposing existing digital resources and smoothing interdisciplinary communication. Given the proliferation of scholarly digital contents, it has become increasingly difficult for researchers to find relevant contents on their own, not to mention related, disciplines. The situation is even worse in interdisciplinary fields such as environmental sciences. Many academic libraries provide services to support the creation, organization, management, use, and reuse of digital contents. This poster describes the University of North Texas (UNT) Libraries' initiative to provide digital infrastructure and stewardship in order to ensure long-term access to the resources collected. The preliminary results from usage and related statistics analysis suggest significant research and educational impact of the Environmental Policy Collection. Based on the UNT Libraries' experience in integrating heterogeneous digital resources from diverse sources and providing seamless access, this paper describes guidelines for future digital collection development, and make recommendations for further study of collection development strategies.

Description: This poster presents discussion on empowering digital library users through combining taxonomies and folksonomies. Given the increase in the number and heterogeneity of digital resources, it has become increasingly difficult for researchers to find relevant contents in their own areas, let alone related disciplines. As more users move into the more self-structured digital environment, a new paradigm for user experience will be required.

Description: This presentation discusses Africa and the global knowledge footprint. Abstract: In line with issues in international information, panel members aim to discuss the global knowledge footprint from a unique and distinct perspective. Framed here as 'content divide,' the focus is to present an international comparative analysis of knowledge production using scientific/technical research, and patent outputs of individual countries and regions across the world. The approach places emphasis on the connection between gross expenditure on R&D (GERD) and research performance mainly by higher education institutions; innovation activities using patent registration as one key indicator, and the role of national education and research network (NREN) as key enabler to foster research productivity.

Description: This presentation discusses the origins of SIG-III and its 30 years' journey. In light of the 75th American Society for Information Science and Technology (ASIS&T) Anniversary Celebration and the 30th celebration of International Information Issues (III), the participants on this panel will discuss the origins of the Special Interest Group for International Information Issues (SIG-III) of ASIS&T and its early years. In addition to the reflections of the last 30 years, the authors look forward and discuss the future of the SIG.