An integrated digital research environment: DFG perspectives

Abstract

Purpose: The article focuses on the vision that the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation, DFG) pursues with its funding programmes in the field of digital information provision. Design/methodology/approach: The first section of the article sketches out the strategic decisions which determine the funding policy of the DFG in the field of digital information, while the second section describes in more detail the central funding schemes of the DFG in the field of digital information. Findings: The funding policy of the DFG seeks to build an integrated digital research environment that includes scholarly publications and primary research data as well as new forms of communication in virtual research and work environments. But it will be only by the common effort of scholars, libraries and providers of scholarly information, funders, publishers and fee collecting agencies that the vision of an integrated digital research environment will come true. Originality / value: The outline of the funding programmes of the DFG in the area of digital information provision will be of interest to librarians and information professionals seeking information about library funding policies and strategies in Germany.