New fossil remains of Homo naledi from the Lesedi Chamber, South Africa

The Rising Star cave system has produced abundant fossil hominin remains within the Dinaledi Chamber, representing a minimum of 15 individuals attributed to Homo naledi. Further exploration led to the discovery of hominin material, now comprising 131 hominin specimens, within a second chamber, the Lesedi Chamber. The Lesedi Chamber is far separated from the Dinaledi Chamber within the Rising Star cave system, and represents a second depositional context for hominin remains. In each of three collection areas within the Lesedi Chamber, diagnostic skeletal material allows a clear attribution to H. naledi. Both adult and immature material is present. The hominin remains represent at least three individuals based upon duplication of elements, but more individuals are likely present based upon the spatial context. The most significant specimen is the near-complete cranium of a large individual, designated LES1, with an endocranial volume of approximately 610 ml and associated postcranial remains. The Lesedi Chamber skeletal sample extends our knowledge of the morphology and variation of H. naledi, and evidence of H. naledi from both recovery localities shows a consistent pattern of differentiation from other hominin species.SP201

Towards a generic model of information and library services in the information age

As libraries and information services address the needs of users in an increasingly networked environment, there is a need for theoretical models to underpin research, development and practice. The characteristics and roles of traditional libraries and information services are described, and a variety of predictions about their future are examined. A number of recent models of the ‘electronic’ or ‘digital’ library are analysed, and the concept of the ‘hybrid’ library is described. On this basis a generic model of the library, using that term in its broadest sense, is developed. A number of application areas are identified