The PubMed Central repository launches

Volume 17, Number 4 • April 2000

The PubMed Central repository launches — BioMed Central and E-BioSci initiative will support the NIH venture
by Robin Peek

FOCUS ON PUBLISHING column discusses PubMed Central, the National Institutes of Health's (NIH) new repository for peer-reviewed primary research reports. Relates that materials will consist of journals that are currently indexed by one of the major abstracting-and-indexing services, or journals that have three or more research-grant holders from major funding agencies on their editorial boards. Describes BioMed Central, a new, publisher-based Web initiative that will forge a relationship with PubMed Central, and that hopes to enhance the distribution model; and E-BioSci, the European response to the PubMed Central initiative. Notes that while PubMed Central is credited for sparking this initiative, it is unlikely that E-BioSci will be its exact replica. Says that early discussions indicate that articles held in the E-BioSci archive may not be universally free. Includes one screen display.