UK Research Reserve launched

23 February, 2009

The UK Research Reserve (UKRR) programme is now launched. The Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) announced in July that it would provide £9.84 million for a five year programme to build upon the success of Phase 1. The collaborative initiative between higher education libraries and the British Library will grow into a robust and sustainable service over the programme lifetime. The UK Research Reserve is open to all higher education libraries.

Deborah Shorley, Head of UKRR and Director of Library Services at Imperial College London said:

'UKRR will be one of the buttresses of the UK's research infrastructure. It is a 21st century way of giving our researchers direct and timely access to the information they need for their research and stay at the top of their game.'

Toby Bainton, Secretary of SCONUL said:

'The launch of this programme is good news for all users of university libraries. The huge growth in electronic journals has had many positive benefits for researchers, but it is important that access to original copies continues to be swift and convenient when required.

Not only will the UKRR ensure researchers have the information they need, it will also help preserve these journals for future generations.'

The programme builds on the successful 18 month pilot phase which proved the concept in eight participating libraries from the Universities of Birmingham, Cardiff, Exeter, Imperial College London, Liverpool, Newcastle, Southampton and St Andrews.

The UK Research Reserve is led by Imperial College London in partnership with the British Library and HEFCE.

For more details visit the UKRR website www.ukrr.ac.uk, or contact the UKRR Manager, Frances Boyle f.boyle@imperial.ac.uk.