Google gives access to CGIAR publications

Imagine being able to search more than 50,000 pages from books published by the largest agricultural research consortium in the world; browse that library online and immediately download the full text of any book or order a print copy with a few clicks of a mouse … Well, imagine no more, because you can now do just that!

Over the years, the individual Centres of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) have amassed significant libraries that reflect the results of CGIAR research across the globe. Until recently, though, many of the scientific titles in these collections have been accessible only to a limited readership. Today, all of that has changed, and CGIAR publications are now collectively available at one of the biggest searchable online libraries.

CGBooks, a collaborative effort involving CGIAR and Google staff, has effectively expanded the reach of CGIAR research, simply by making publications instantly searchable over the Internet. The option of searching the thousands of CGIAR publications available through the CGVlibrary further increases access to CGIAR research results.

“This is something that the CGIAR Library Consortium has been looking to do for a long time,” said Maria Garruccio, Librarian at Bioversity International. “Google Books has helped us make our books available in a really attractive way.”

In the beginning

In 2005, CGIAR Centres began turning over their books to Google Book Search (GBS) for scanning – a huge undertaking that was funded entirely by Google. Later, when it was suggested that the Centres come together to create an overall CGBooks search, the idea was greeted with enthusiasm on all sides. There are now thousands of titles taking the results of CGIAR research to thousands of users around the globe. More than 100 Google Book sites bring visitors from all over the world to the CGIAR Web sites. The increased geographic spread that GBS gives to CGIAR publications means that some Centres are now selling books in new markets across the globe. Relevant publications are also easier to find, because GBS searches deep into every page of every book, word by word.

The CGIAR Centres feel that having a presence on Google Books is beneficial to all parties concerned. The non-exclusive association between CGBooks and Google is good for everyone, especially users of the information. Individual Centres will gain, and so will Google as it strives to make the world’s books available to everyone.

Browse Bioversity books.

Further information:  Maria Garruccio.

Adapted from an item on the CGIAR’s ICT-KM website. An extended report on CGBooks, which includes excerpts from interviews with the CGIAR staff behind this exciting endeavour, is also available.