[Information provision for the biomedical sciences in the Netherlands faces an uncertain future]

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Informatics
• Information Science
• Library Science

Background:

• Biomedical information access in the Netherlands relies on medical libraries and the Netherlands Institute for Scientific Information Services (NIWI).
• NIWI has historically coordinated journal acquisition, archived information, and provided document delivery for biomedical sciences.
• NIWI's national role, supported by government funding, has been crucial for filling collection gaps.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address the impending termination of NIWI's biomedical acquisition and document delivery services.
• To highlight the potential negative impacts on biomedical information availability in the Netherlands.
• To advocate for the development of a national biomedical information strategy.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of the current biomedical information infrastructure in the Netherlands.
• Assessment of the role and services provided by NIWI.
• Identification of potential consequences of NIWI's service termination.

Main Results:

• NIWI's planned cessation of biomedical services poses a significant risk to information access.
• The eight medical faculty libraries anticipate negative effects without alternative solutions.
• The current situation underscores a critical need for a coordinated national approach.

Conclusions:

• A proactive national biomedical information strategy is essential to mitigate the impact of NIWI's service withdrawal.
• Collaboration between medical libraries and other stakeholders is crucial for future information provision.
• Ensuring continued access to biomedical knowledge is vital for scientific advancement and healthcare in the Netherlands.