Dear Moderator, The Publishers Licensing Society (PLS) is a very, very brave initiative which is certainly going to popularize the Public libraries in UK as the hub of intellectual activities. This is the reason that having a world population share of less than 1 percent UK scientists are contributing more than 6 percent of the international output of scholarly articles. But here in India, we are faced with a piquant situation when the UGC has in all its wisdom withdrawn the financial support leading to the suspension/shutting down of the very effective e-journal consortium service, the INFONET. If our educational administration are ready to take a leaf out of the unfolding global initiatives at opening-up the access to research publications through public funding the situation in the Indian colleges and Universities will get transformed for better. Thanks Dr. T. Shahab On Sat, Feb 22, 2014 at 9:13 PM, Subbiah Arunachalam < subbiah.arunachalam@gmail.com> wrote:
Would it not be wonderful if one can access for free articles published in expensive scholarly journals in public libraries?
Yes, it is happening right now in the UK. When can we in India have such access in our public libraries?
Please read this short news story put out by BBC
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-25981183 3 February 2014 Last updated at 01:20
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Public libraries get online access to research journalsBy Patrick HowseBBC News, Education reporter [image: Bracknell Library]It is hoped the scheme will increase the use of public libraries Continue reading the main story<http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-25981183#story_continues_1
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Hundreds of thousands of research journal articles are to be made available on computers in public libraries.
The Access to Research initiative will give the public access to articles on health, biological research, engineering and social sciences for the first time.
More than 8,000 journals from around the world are included.
It is hoped this will encourage more people to use public libraries.
The Publishers Licensing Society (PLS) is behind the scheme.
It ensures publishers are paid for the copying of extracts of their publications, including digital copies.
Several major publishers have signed up to Access to Research, meaning their material will be available free, but only when viewed by computer terminals in public libraries.
The PLS says the move will "strengthen the position" of public libraries at a time when they are "under pressure".
"It will have an immediate effect in extending access to the great majority of journals for the benefit of everyone in the country," it adds.
The technology involved has already been tested by 10 local authorities in 250 public libraries and the initiative will now be extended throughout the UK, initially for a two-year pilot. 'Global knowledge'
The Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (Cilip) has warmly welcomed the scheme.
"Libraries have always been and should remain a beacon for learning and education," said Darren Smart, from Cilip, but he added that there was a need for further action.
"With the right reform of copyright laws to reflect the digital age, and investment in the public library service, small businesses, students, researchers and local communities across the country can get the right support for their information needs."
Universities and Science Minister David Willetts said Britain's "excellent science and research base is world-renowned and one of our greatest assets".
"With less than 1% of the global population, we produce over 6% of global articles," he said, "but this still means the vast majority of global research is not subject to the UK's open access policy.
"This will connect people, including students and small businesses, to a wealth of global knowledge, maximising its impact and value."
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