The Road to GRDI2020
An evolutionary path: from GRL2020 to GRDI2020
GRL2020 (Global Research Libraries 2020) is a highly successful initiative sponsored
by Microsoft Research with the support of high profile members of the community
to identify areas where collective leadership can have the greatest impact. Workshops
on three continents have brought together leading figures from Asia, Europe, Japan,
China, India, Canada, Australia and U.S. with the support of European Commission
and the National Science Foundation (U.S.) delivering insights and sharing knowledge
on how research libraries should be shaped to meet the needs of current and future
generation.
The inaugural GRL2020 (GRL2020 US, 2007) workshop was held in Woodinville,
Washington USA on September 30 through 2 October, 2007. Participants largely agreed
on various core value propositions for the Global Research Library. It was widely
acknowledged in the GRL2020 discussions that the global research library of the
future will be an interoperable network of services, resources, and expertise designed
to facilitate the process of research and the selecting, sharing, and sustaining
of the outputs of research.
After the success of GRL2010 USA, on the 27-28 March 2008, Pisa (Italy) has provided
the scenario for the 2nd GRL2020 Workshop (GRL2020 Europe, 2008). In developing
this workshop, Microsoft Research and CNR-ISTI have been instrumental in fostering
a vision for Global research Libraries and in identifying major actors in the arena
of Digital Libraries around the world. The 2nd Workshop was attended by 45 of the
world’s most highly regarded experts, featured presentations from Lucy Nowell, US
National Science Foundation (NSF); Carlos Morais-Pires, European Commission; talks
on the future role and needs of the research library; case studies and best practices;
discussions dedicated to user perspectives; technology and organisers, as well as
an interactive debate centred on top-level challenges and objectives to realise
the vision for GRL2020.
GRL2020 Asia (GRL2020 Asia, 2009) was the third of a successful series of Workshops.
It aimed at defining a research environment that enables collaborative work across
disciplines, professions and geographical boundaries. The TELDAP International Conference
provided both a backdrop and forum for the Taipei Workshop, which welcomed 35 of
some of the world’s most highly regarded experts in the area of research libraries
and scientific data archives. These experts showcased best practices, case studies
and pioneering work that is furthering the innovative approaches fostered by GRL2020.
All participants made valuable contributions to the interactive discussions, developing
the GRL2020 research agenda and charting a course that clearly defines next steps.
A distinguished group of experts formed the Programme Committee spearheading thought
leadership and driving the workshop that placed much emphasis on a Call for Action
to address the challenges and issues surrounding the GRL2020 vision.
On year on, February 2010, we bear witness to the launch of GRDI2020 (Global Research
Data Infrastructures 2020).
The fourth workshop of the GRL2020 series, GRL2020 Africa, will be held in
collaboration with the GRDI2020 project. The workshop, co-located with CODATA
22, will be held on 23-24 October 2010, in Stellenbosch, Cape Town, South
Africa. For more information on the workshop please visit this link.
Visit www.grl2020.org website for more information on GRL2020 mission and events.