Identity Statement

Reference Code

HU OSA 116-2-1

Title

Library Assistance Program Files

Date(s)

1994 - 1996

Description Level

Series

Extent and medium (processed)

3 Archival boxes, 0.38 linear meters

Content and Structure

Scope and Content (Abstract)

The Library Assistance Program had great significance both on its own and as part of the whole set of the Foundation's programs. Science cannot exist without information, but for several years, the libraries had practically no means to subscribe to foreign publications. Therefore, the first goal of the program was to assist in alleviating the shortage of foreign periodicals. In 1994-1996, the ISF provided regular shipments of foreign science literature to libraries of all countries of the FSU. Publishers agreed to give significant discounts, which enabled the Foundation to continue the program for several years. In 1995, it was even able to arrange subscriptions to some expensive European journals. The scientific publications were carefully selected with the participation of scientists who were members of the review panels for the Long-Term Grants Program.
Additionally, the Library Assistance Program played a very important role in conjunction with the other initiatives of the Foundation. For example, the institutes that employed the scientists with the highest impact-factor, identified through the Emergency Grants Program, received sets of science periodicals according to their field of research. In 1995, the Foundation began subscribing to and distributing journals on telecommunications in support of its telecommunications program.
The files contain grant letters and final reports from the library grantees located in the Former Soviet Union, including the Baltic States. The libraries are very diverse: they include those of public, university or scientific organizations - academies of sciences, research institutes etc.

Accruals

Not Expected

System of arrangement

Arranged alphabetically

Conditions of Access and Use

Conditions governing access

Access to this series is regulated by the donation agreement with the Open Society Foundations, according to which records are restricted up to 25 years from the date of their creation. OSA maintains the right to review access rules to both restricted and unrestricted records on a case by case basis.

Languages

English, Russian

Description Control

Archivist's note

Processed by Valentyna Afanas'eva, June, 2005; revised by Olga Zaslavskaya, November 30, 2005 and Branislav Kovacevic, February, 2009.