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The Maghreb Virtual Science Library. Presentation to the Fulbright Academy Workshop on Digital Libraries in the Maghreb Washington, DC 25 January 2011 Dr. Eric J. Novotny. About Us. Dedicated to science and technology cooperation worldwide
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The Maghreb Virtual Science Library Presentation to the Fulbright Academy Workshop on Digital Libraries in the Maghreb Washington, DC 25 January 2011 Dr. Eric J. Novotny
About Us • Dedicated to science and technology cooperation worldwide • Not-for-profit 501(c)3 established by Congress in 1995 • 16-year history of successful science programs in over 25 countries • HQ in Arlington, VA; offices in Moscow, Kyiv, Amman, Almaty • Sponsors: US government, private philanthropy, international sponsors • Annual programs of $25 Million • Staff of 140 professionals • More of a “do-tank” than a “think tank”
The Program • CRDF’s program is the primary science and technology initiative following the plans announced by the President in Cairo on 4 June 2009 • To design and build science and technology excellence in North Africa, the Gulf region, and Southeast Asia • Leverage discoveries in the global scientific community toward innovative ways to improve quality of life and economic prosperity
Program Elements • Two-year grant from the U.S. Department of State (OES) commenced in May 2010 • $5,000,000 from FY 2009 funds • Three major program components: • Science Engagement • Innovation and Technology Commercialization • Maghreb Digital Science Library
CRDF’s Virtual Science Libraries • First VSL links 8 major public universities throughout Iraq; now self-sustaining system under Iraqi control • Second VSL in University of Kabul, Afghanistan • Third VSL in Armenia • Results: • Rapid, sustained access • Four-fold increase in publications • Increasing fraction of international publications • Improved curriculum • Sustained contacts: faculty and students
Maghreb Digital Science Library • Purpose is to enhance capacity for access science publications and to provide a technology platform for enhanced collaborative research networks • Initial partners: Maghreb: Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria • β-test national platforms 2010; regional overlay February 2011 • User training February-April 2011 • Official public demonstration March-April 2011
Implementation • Securing partnerships • Needs and capabilities assessment • Content negotiation • Portal development • Training • Regional journal
Lead Organizations • Algeria: CERIST: Centre de Recherché surl’informationScientifique et Technique • Morocco: IMIST: InstitutMarocain de l’informationScientifique et Technique • Tunisia: CNUDST: Centre National Universitarie de Documentation Scientifique et Technique
Expansion Plans • Vertical Expansion: • Enhanced collaborative platform • Social networks • Remote experimental capacity • Business and economics • Global access to national science collections • Horizontal Expansion: • Libya; Egypt • Sahel countries • Levant countries
Dr. Eric J. Novotny Senior Vice President CRDF Global 1530 Wilson Boulevard Third Floor Arlington, VA 22209 USA (703) 526 9720 x 374 enovotny@crdf.org Thank you