Digital library moves to National Center for Atmospheric Research

The Digital Library for Earth System Education (DLESE) has moved to the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in Boulder, Colorado. Developed with funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF), the move ensures that the DLESE continues to provide digital learning resources for scientists, educators and students worldwide. Users of DLESE will also benefit from NCAR's expertise in information management.

Jill Karsten, programme director for diversity and education in NSF's Directorate for Geosciences said: ‘Once again, the DLESE programme is helping to lead the way in science education by identifying creative new strategies for sustaining library operations, and for keeping these important educational resources available to a global community of educators and students.’

When determining where to move its collection, DLESE called on a group of experts in information science, geoscience education, business and members of DLESE's former steering committee and advisory board. The group examined potential models of sponsorship and membership and looked carefully at which parts of the DLESE collection should be sustained in the absence of dedicated funding.

‘Providing a long-term home for this important resource supports NCAR's educational mission and fits with the NCAR Library's plans to provide increased digital services to the broader scientific and educational community,’ said Mary Marlino, director of e-Science and the library at NCAR.

Digital libraries nationwide are exploring ways to maintain continuity in a time of rapid technological change and uncertainties in funding.

Back to top