PERI (Programme for the Enhancement of Research Information)

peri logoPERI is a programme to support capacity building in the research sector in developing and emerging countries by strengthening the production, access and dissemination of information & knowledge

There is an increased recognition of the vital role that information and knowledge can play in development - and of the potential of new information and communication technologies (ICTs) within this. During 1999/2000 INASP was approached by research partners and librarians in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the New Independent States to assist them in the design and implementation of a programme of complementary activities to support information production, access and dissemination utilising ICTs. Following two brainstorming workshops and a large number of country-wide discussions, the Programme for the Enhancement of Research Information (PERI) was born.

The immediate objectives of the programme are to:

  • facilitate the acquisition of international and local information and knowledge;
  • improve access to local research through the improved preparation, production and management of local journals;
  • provide awareness or training in the use, evaluation and management of electronic information and communication technologies (ICTs);
  • support problem-solving of regional and local information access and dissemination challenges.

The first phase of the programme ran as a pilot from November 2000 - December 2001. A full programme began in January 2002.

The programme comprises five components:

1: Cooperates with Publishers for Sustainable Access to Research Materials

  • Goal: ICT-enabled national access to international research materials.
  • Process: Country coordination team identifies the required resources; INASP negotiates publisher licenses and access routes that are sustainable; Publishers provide free or deeply-discounted access to high-value content; Countrywide access is available to eligible institutions and individuals; No cost to researchers at point of use; Access to electronic resources are available from over 50 publishers and aggregators; PERI access includes full text journals, ebooks, bibliographic databases and document delivery. INASP also maintains a directory of free an open access materials.
  • Read more about this component

2: Strengthens national research publications

  • Goal: Improved local publication quality, visibility and sustainability.
  • Process: National journals supported to publish; Online publishing support; Worldwide promotion of journals; National and international workshops; Study tours and publishing partnerships; Print and online resources for publishers and editors.
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3: Enhances ICT skills

  • Goal: Enhance skills in using electronic information resources and tools.
  • Process: The effective use and management of electronic resources and tools requires a number of skills. In response to requests for help in enhancing these skills, PERI supports in-country workshops and trains local facilitators. The workshop use modular materials and 'travel' both between and within countries.
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4: Supports country collaboration and networking

5: Research and development

  • Goal: Providing answers to challenges identified in the field.
  • Process: (1) Commission and support case studies, (2) Undertake research, (3) Pilot and evaluate new tools and techniques.
  • Read more about this component

For more information about this programme, contact Sara Gwynn

Publications

Infobrief 4 — PERI Review 2001-2004: Executive Summary The Programme for the Enhancement of Research Information (PERI) has been operational since 2002 and this review has been undertaken to document and assess progress towards its goals and objectives.
Infobrief 6 — Journal Access Programmes in African University Libraries This report summarises a survey of the journal access programmes that were being used in universities in Africa. (2005)
PERI Review 2001-2004 : Enhancing Access to Research Information in Developing Countries Report from a Mid-Term Review of the Programme for the Enhancement of Research Information 2001-2004.
Accessing Electronic Information: A Study of Pakistan's Digital Library By Amina Said. This case study, commissioned from the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan, documents the setting up of a centralised national digital library. (2006)
E-journals: Developing Country Access Survey 2002 A survey of the activities and views of publishers regarding access to their information within the developing world either free or at reduced cost.
Report - ELIN@PERI Review: Summary This independent review shows that ELIN is serving a need and that response to the programme has been largely positive. The review also highlights that the amount of effort and support required to maximise the success of the programme was originally underestimated. A list of recommendations for the future of the project are proposed. (2006)