Improving access to published research - the INASP initiatives

Abstract

One of the key challenges to researchers within low and middle income countries is gaining access to international research publications. The cost of subscriptions to journals and other information resources and skills training in their use are key issues. A number of initiatives (at local, national and international levels) exist that are designed to address these issues by providing various preferential rates or free licensing agreements to research and educational institutions in these countries. As well as providing associated training and skills development. The International Network for the Availability of Scientific Publications (INASP) is one of the organisations that is involved in such an initiative - the Programme for the Enhancement of Research Information (PERI). A brief overview of these various initiatives, INASP and the PERI programme are provided.