E-LIS : E-prints in Library and Information Science

Abstract

Established in 2003, E-LIS (eprints.rclis.org) is an international Open Archive for Library and Information Science. 33 countries are involved and over 2,700 papers have been archived to date. It is freely accessible, aligned with the Open Access movement and is a voluntary enterprise. It uses GNU Eprints software, operates within the OAI framework and employs the JITA Classification Schema. Users can access full-text documents. It accepts published or unpublished documents in scientific or technical areas in any language and format; authors can self-archive and a proxy service supports depositors. Metadata are set for each document type and are checked in accordance with editorial guidelines set by an international editorial committee and there are agreements with institutions and library associations in various countries. Its Copyright policies are recommended by the Romeo project. E-LIS is divided into editorial, technical and administrative groups. The editorial group focuses on metadata quality and guidelines. The technical group concentrates on software – its implementation, enhancement, development and added value functionality. The Administrative group deals with strategic issues including the future direction of the initiative, its policies and their impact on the user community and its connection with other scientific communities. New participants are always welcome.