Information about E-prints system

E-prints are educated and professional works electronically produced and shared by researchers with the intent of communicating research findings to colleagues. They may include preprints, reprints, technical reports, conference publications or other means of electronic announcement. Preprints, those selectively-shared pre-published documents or articles going through the publication process, have long been standard and utilized by peer groups throughout the scientific community. Recent technological advances, however, have incorporated preprints with other forms of peer communications to set up an information genre in its own right. Therefore, the more inclusive term e-printsis more proper to use currently in describing this rich and valuable source of scientific and technical information that now reaches beyond the scope of pre-published information.

The E-print Network can also be of great value to students in scientific and technical studies at the graduate level for locating and using a broad range of information in maintain of their fields of interest. It can also help them notice behind-the-scenes interactions between the principals involved in their chosen research areas. Undergraduate science students contemplating graduate studies can find information about graduate programs and gain a better understanding of what pursuing these studies would demand.

The E-print network will also be helpful to those involved in research administration and management. Not only should the improved level of communication facilitate funded research, but reviewers should be able to gain an understanding of the dynamics of funded research programs.