Update on the Federal Science eLibrary May 2004

Proposal for a Federal Science eLibrary

The Federal Science eLibrary will deliver seamless, desktop access to recent and relevant published scientific, technical and medical content to all federal scientists, researchers and S&T decision-makers.

Model of Collaboration

Proposed by the Strategic Alliance of Federal Science and Technology Libraries (SAFSTL):

• Agriculture and Agri-food Canada
• Environment Canada
• Fisheries and Oceans Canada
• Health Canada
• Natural Resources Canada
• National Research Council Canada (Canada Institute for Scientific and Technical Information)

Value to Departments and GoC

• Increase the number of e-journals available and eliminate regional disparities
• Facilitate recruitment and retention
• Reduce search time and make it more productive
• Strengthen the negotiating position of federal libraries and reduce staff time negotiating and maintaining licenses

Existing Models

This initiative is realistic and achievable because it builds on established models and expertise:

• Canadian National Site Licensing Project
• International examples in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia
• Departmental virtual libraries

Progress to date

• June 2002 business case for the Federal Science eLibrary demonstrated importance and value of STM information for federal research
• February 2003, Dr. Keough, Chief Scientist, Health Canada, funded a feasibility study on behalf of all federal S&T departments
• Study surveyed researchers, libraries, federal R&D funding environment and best practices in STM information delivery, in particular Canadian National Site Licensing Project (CNSLP)

Feasibility Study - Findings

Researcher Survey

• 2,629 responses (excellent return rate of 10%)
• 93% say that access to e-journals improves productivity
• 67% depend on e-journals for information on experimental processes
• 58% download peer-reviewed articles online weekly
• 78% spend more than 1 hour weekly searching for information electronically
• 33% read more papers outside their discipline when information is in electronic format
• 78% have no affiliation with universities
• IT Infrastructure is in place to deliver e-journals across all STM departments

Feasibility Study - Recommendations

• Seek funding for $41.8M over 5 years
• Involve other STM departments and agencies in the federal government
• Establish the Office of the Federal Science eLibrary
• Follow the CNSLP model for negotiating and licensing

Progress to date

• Feasibility study results presented to S&T ADMs on October 27, 2003.
• Received their support to seek funding for the eLibrary.
• Dr. Keough, Chief Scientist, Health Canada and Dr. Raymont, NRC VP Technology and Industry Support agree to engage S&T ADMs in building and supporting business case for Treasury Board.
• Dr. Carty, NRC President, agrees NRC to take the lead.
• Developing a Business Case and working with Treasury Board to explore funding options.