Overview of STIMULATE4 at VUB, Brussels, October 2004

Prepared by Tereza Richards

University of the West Indies, Mona

January 17, 2005

My comments on STIMULATE4 begins with the course announcement which was, available very early; very detailed; and provided enough information on the prospectus of the course to assist with decision-making at personal and organizational levels, i.e. it overviewed the course offerings enough to let the prospective participants know what each module would offer and so which to register for, which is especially useful for independent participants attending select modules.

The course content itself was varied and useful. Despite the first module being introductory in orientation I benefited from it considerably. While I learnt something from all the presentations I must make special mention of:
‘Citation analysis and research performance’ by Ronald Rousseau as this is a new area of personal research interest;
the ‘General Internet course’ by Marc Nyssen;
‘Introduction to PCs’ and ‘CDS ISIS’ by Egbert de Smet
and ‘Information, knowledge and innovation’ by Leo van Audenhove.

The visits to VLIZ (Marine Science Information and Documentation Centre) at Ostend and the University of Antwerp were quite interesting both in terms of the presentations made by the librarians at these institutions and the opportunity to see their libraries but also for the opportunity afforded us to travel to and experience these places. The obvious preparation that had been made for our visit was appreciated.

All persons I contacted both prior to registering for the program and afterwards responded promptly and were helpful. Special mention must be made of the administrative assistant Sahdia who although ‘just doing her job’ as was stated was indeed very helpful, patient and ready with or willing to ascertain whatever information was required. The arrangements made for accommodation on our behalf and other logistical matters was adequate and appreciated.

Finally, I think the summer months would be a more hospitable time at which to convene this program in terms of the weather i.e. participants would not be faced with the cold weather and added cost of buying winter clothes for a relatively short time. The experience of the fall to winter weather can of course be considered part of the overall experience of a different place and culture. However I imagine the time when the course is convened depends of many factors which the administrators have to consider in order to make it viable. I see one STIMULATE programme has previously been held in the summer months and that STIMULATE5 is planned for June to August, 2005.

I had a very good experience overall and given the opportunity to attend in the future to ‘complete’ the program I would not hesitate.