Electronic Information Dissemination at NSF
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The National Science Foundation (NSF) is currently enhancing its
electronic information dissemination infrastructure, including the
Science and Technology Information System (STIS). The Foundation's
goal in this effort is to expand and improve electronic dissemination
of NSF information and publications. More effective use of electronic
dissemination will broaden our reach, get information to our users
more quickly, and reduce overhead costs. The new system will be
completely web-based and will include several new features which will
dramatically improve user access to NSF information and publications
on line:
NSF Publications on the Web - The information on STIS is moving to the
web. Users will be able to browse and search NSF's publications more
easily, and all NSF documents will be accessible from one location.
New Home Page/New Search Capability - By the end of the year NSF will
have a re-designed home page and a new search capability which will
make the NSF website much easier to navigate. Users will have quick,
easy access from the front page to NSF directorates and programs and
will be able to conduct full-text searches across the entire NSF site.
User Profile System - Through this free service, which is expected to
be available early next year, users will select the types of NSF
information they want to see (e.g., program announcements in a
particular field, vacancy announcements, the NSF Bulletin, etc.).
Subscribers to this system will come to the NSF site to view their
items of interest or, if they prefer, the system will send them the
relevant titles and URL's via e-mail.
Once this new infrastructure is put in place, NSF plans to increase
its reliance on electronic means to disseminate information and
publications. In doing so, however, we want to be sure that everyone
who needs or wants NSF information or publications can obtain them in
a timely way. A number of pilot electronic dissemination efforts are
either under way or planned for the near future. From these pilot
projects we expect to learn how best to reach the users of our
information electronically and ensure a smooth transition from
print-and-mail distribution to electronic dissemination.
NSF is very interested in hearing from users of NSF information and
publications. If you have a comment, question, or suggestion about
our plans for electronic dissemination, please contact Joe Burt at the
National Science Foundation (jburt@nsf.gov).
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