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AnnouncementStrategic Alliance pilot project solidifies case for a Federal Science eLibrary(Ottawa, September 25, 2006) - The Strategic Alliance of Federal Science and Technology Libraries (Strategic Alliance) has recently completed a pilot project that adds further proof to an already strong case for establishing a Federal Science eLibrary. The proposed Federal Science eLibrary aims to deliver essential scientific, technical and medical (STM) digital information seamlessly to the desktops of all federal researchers, policy analysts and decision makers, regardless of their geographic location or organizational affiliations. The Strategic Alliance, a collaboration of six science-based departments/agencies, is seeking government funding to make this initiative a reality. Currently, federal STM professionals often have inadequate and uneven desktop access to the scientific information they need to perform the high-calibre R&D work efficiently. The eLibrary would guarantee access to up-to-date, pertinent electronic publications for these professionals in every region and in every department, eliminating the patchwork of inequities that currently exist. During the three-month pilot, more than 500 researchers from two science departments at three sites across Canada (Sidney, British Columbia; Devon, Alberta; and St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador), had direct access to a digital repository of 4 million full-text journal articles, loaded on servers located at the National Research Council's Canada Institute for Scientific and Technical Information (NRC-CISTI). Pilot participants overwhelmingly indicated that having expanded access had a positive or very positive impact on their research activities and productivity. In addition to reporting an urgent need for continuing access to the eLibrary, they cited significantly reduced time spent finding and verifying information, allowing them to focus on critical activities such as peer review, manuscript preparation, in depth professional reading and other research and laboratory activities. The Strategic Alliance has made considerable progress in making the case for investment in a Federal Science eLibrary, producing a feasibility study in 2003 and a business case in 2005. The pilot results offer additional persuasive evidence that an eLibrary is realistic and achievable. As well, the pilot proved the value and feasibility of a collaborative, cross-departmental approach to providing seamless and equitable access. All that remains to make the e-Library a reality is the necessary funding. The final report on the results of pilot project can be viewed on the Strategic Alliance Web site at: http://safstl-asbstf.scitech.gc.ca/final_report/final_report_e.shtml. About the Strategic Alliance of Federal Science and Technology Libraries The Strategic Alliance of Federal Science and Technology Libraries (Strategic Alliance) is a collaboration of six science-based departments/agencies, as well as representatives of the Council of Federal Libraries. The six agencies are: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Environment Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Health Canada, Natural Resources Canada, and the National Research Council's Canada Institute for Scientific and Technical Information (NRC-CISTI). The Strategic Alliance initiated the proposal to establish a Federal Science eLibrary that will deliver scientific, technical and medical (STM) digital resources seamlessly to the desktops of federal scientists, policy analysts and decision makers. As Canada's national science library and as member of the Strategic Alliance, NRC-CISTI is leading the implementation of the eLibrary in partnership with the Strategic Alliance. To learn more, visit the Strategic Alliance Web site at: http://safstl-asbstf.scitech.gc.ca/main_e.shtml. For further information, contact: Merle McConnell Lucie Molgat Mary Low |
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