Envia is a new resource for the discovery and access of environmental science information being developed by the British Library to allow users to discover and access environmental information — wherever it is or they are.
Information Discovery and Access
Envia will allow researchers and practitioners to discover and access government reports, journal articles, PhD theses and more. Central to the concept of Envia is the notion that environmental information discovery should be as easy and seamless as possible. Thus, Envia is designed to be searchable through multiple entry points, with search boxes embedded in a British Library website, partner websites, and users’ browsers. Through these, environmental science researchers and practitioners will be able to directly access content located either within the Envia repository or hosted on external websites.
Engagement with the environmental science research community has been integral to the development of Envia. Producers and consumers of ES research information come from a diverse range of sectors including local and central government, consultancy and business, the charity sector, and academia. Not surprisingly, these diverse groups have different information needs. Envia is based upon an understanding of how these different sectors discover, access, and utilise research information the demand for coordinated access to environmental information which unites them.
A Project in Partnership
We are working closely with the UK Living with Environmental Change (LWEC) programme, a partnership of 22 major UK funders and users of ES research. This partnership underpins Envia and is recognised in a Memorandum of Understanding between the Library and LWEC to improve ES information discovery and access.
A Flooding Focus
Envia has an initial focus on flooding information. Flooding is a substantial environmental concern in the UK and abroad, and is likely to be more so as a result of climate change. Flood risk management was highlighted as an area of priority in the Government’s Comprehensive Spending Review, and is also central to the research strategy of the LWEC partner organisations.
Looking Forward
Envia isn’t accessible remotely just yet. But we have developed a demonstrator that we are now beginning to test with the flooding community, and have secured funding to transition Envia to a pilot service. We are interested in hearing from groups or individuals who are interested in influencing its evolution and development.
Want to Know More?
If you are interested in learning more about what Envia is, how it will work, please take a look here or Contact Us.
