The Fundamental Library of the Latvian University of Agriculture (LAN) has expanded its capacities since the 6th Roundtable in Arizona. It has begun to computerize library holdings. A unified system of information services, data collection and distribution based on cooperation is planned in order to establish a national electronic catalogue and to develop and implement a program for the retrospective conversion of national bibliography. Professional qualification of employees at participating libraries, as well as other libraries in Latvia, especially with respect to work with the new information technologies, will be taken into consideration.

The LAN has been the Latvian AGRIS/CARIS center as of 1994. In 1998 a FAO Depository Library was established at the LAN. Ariel was installed in 1997. The LAN has been so far mostly a recipient of information. Publications issued in Latvia are not in great demand, due to the lack of English-language data. The main foreign partners have been National Agriculture Library of the USA, Central Agricultural Library of Poland and Institute of Agricultural and Food Information of the Czech Republic.

There are no essential changes in the Agricultural information system in Latvia excepting the fact that agricultural research institutes have become incorporated in the Latvian University of Agriculture. The LAN is not only the largest agricultural library in Latvia, but also the only agricultural library that prepares and disseminates research.

One of the greatest problems, due to very low salaries, is the lack of highly qualified specialists that have command of foreign languages as well as ability to organize automation of systems. Private sector pays up to ten times higher salaries. Also, library specialists lack possibilities of improving their knowledge, what is another consequence of scant resources. One of the best ways for personal development is participation at local, national and international conferences and workshops. Again, only a limited number of librarians and information specialists have been able to participate at such events. Some have taken part in the courses organized by foreign colleagues in Latvia. There remains a necessity for additional training. Self-education remains the most prevalent way of improving one's abilities. Creation of new possibilities, such working with colleagues in other libraries, could be a great stimulus for the raising of staff member motivation.