Collection development in support of a global information network: A case study of LEISA, low external input and sustainable agriculture

Collecting, collating, presenting and disseminating information are key success areas for information centers. This is where many organizations either gain or lose competitive advantage. Information not managed professionally and constructively has little value. It remains inaccessible, and its existence unknown. In this sense ILEIA has profiled itself in such a way that it has maintained its capacity to continue the strategic collection of grey literature and to retain a status which has ensured and is recognized as having a special niche in development-orientated publishing and information exchange. ILEIA has been successful in collecting and disseminating information during the 20 years of its existence. The main reasons for this success must be sought in the methodology underlying the editorial approach and the continuous attention that has been given to networking and profiling ILEIA's activities.