CGVLibrary Project

Status

Concluded in 2008, the Project output lives online at http://vlibrary.cgiar.org

History

The Virtual Library Service project was established to provide CGIAR researchers and national agricultural research system (NARS) partners with integrated access to a wide range of agricultural information resources.

In 2006, hardware and software was selected and installed, and over 100 different information resources were described and configured to support searches across databases.

There remained, however, more to be done to further increase the effectiveness and efficiency of this vital tool for researchers. A second phase of the CGVLibrary project was necessary to broaden and deepen the integration of important information resources in agriculture, facilitating their use by researchers, and publicizing the availability of and access to the service to researchers within and beyond the CGIAR. Phase I had already drawn on a wide range of CGIAR resources and staff. Phase II was required to mobilize more resources and cooperation within CGIAR organizations and networks, and beyond.

Phase II added value by increasing the number of information resources available through the CGVLibrary to include Center catalogues not currently accessible; ensure the Centers’ image library databases were integrated and accessible through the CGVLibrary; increase access to information resources for NARS partners; improve access to full text material; and develop mechanisms for optimizing searching by targeting categories of information resources. Utilization of the service was maximized with a comprehensive marketing strategy.

More information available on http://vlibrary.cgiar.org

Lead Administrative Center

IFPRI (IFPRI)

Project Coordinator

Luz Marina Alvaré