The goal of the National Site Licensing pilot project is to dramatically expand the range of digital content available for researchers, and provide increased and equitable access to that content through electronic access and delivery mechanisms. This is true for matching as well as for CFI funds. The project will be a three year initiative with university participants agreeing to sustain the project for a period of eight years to meet CFI requirements. The commitment required of institutional applicants on this CFI proposal will be to participate in the three-year pilot project, at the agreed to costs.
Timing is very short.
Signoff by institutions will be required by April 10, 1999. Implementation is targetted to January 2000, i.e. the coming fiscal year. The apportioned shares are based on a flat fee plus amounts proportionate to the number of FTE faculty and graduate enrolment, and to dollars of sponsored research. Most notably, UBC Library has already been assured of the funds for its participation. The timing for this proposal presents real difficulties in terms of nailing down precise sources of funding for SFU with the requisite consultation which must take place.