Dr. Ulrich Korwitz, Librarian of the ZB Med, reported about the new strategy of the ZB Med in the wake of the evaluation two years ago. An extensive user consultation was undertaken, and the input from professors and research fellows used as a starting point for the new strategy.

Some highlights amongst the many adjustments to the ZB operations:

• shift towards an advisory rôle to academic medical libraries, especially in the field of license negotiation (they will even hire a business lawyer)
• focus on research and clinical practice
• services to the pharmaceutical industry have been dropped
• constant innovation which will include regular evaluation of assisting products and services
• strong commitment to staff development, including a decrease of junior and increase of senior positions

This is a bold move by the ZB Med, or rather: the ‘Leibniz Information Centre for  Life Sciences’. Especially the advisory services in the field of license negotiation were met with great approval by the audience.