(London, United Kingdom 6 March 2013) The Research4Life partnership announced today a case study competition to recognize the role of librarians and library staff in building the research capacities of scientists, doctors and policymakers and helping to boost research output within their institutions.
Since 2001, the Research4Life initiative has developed into a partnership of over 200 scientific publishers around the globe, giving researchers at more than 6,000 institutions in over 100 developing world countries and territories free or low cost online access to nearly 30,000 peer-reviewed international scientific journals, books, and databases provided by the world’s leading scientific, technical and medical publishers.
Research4Life has launched the library impact case study competition in celebration of the work that librarians do and to facilitate the sharing of best practice. The competition aims to highlight the dedication and capacity building of those who assist researchers in accessing and using vital information within their institutions. The competition will run from the 6th of March through the 27th of April 2013. Online applications will be accepted through April 27th 12 am GMT. Submissions of library case studies will be reviewed by a committee of distinguished international librarians and trainers. The winner will be announced in June and invited as the first user to join the Research4Life Executive Council. The prize includes an all-expenses paid trip to attend the Partners’ General Meeting in Rome, Italy in September 2103.
“From information literacy training to building infrastructure and concerted outreach, librarians are critical to building a healthy research culture in the developing world-and they are often the unsung heroes,” said Emily Gillingham, Chair of the Executive Council for Research4Life and Director of Library Relations at Wiley, “We hope our competition will raise awareness about the essential role played by librarians across the developing world.”
The Research4Life Librarian Competition is open to all librarians and library staff whose institution is a registered user of one of the Research4Life programmes – Access to Research in Health (HINARI), Access to Global Online Research in Agriculture (AGORA), Online Access to Research in the Environment (OARE) and Access to Research for Development and Innovation (ARDI). Eligible countries, areas, and territories are available on the Research4Life website.
The online application form will be open for submissions from March 6th through the 27th of April 2013.
