Electronic Resources of the Dag Hammarskjöld Library

Background and Purpose

The Dag Hammarskjöld Library funds access to more than 150 electronic subscriptions for staff located in New York. IT solutions are now available that facilitate access to these resources from isolated locations. However, extending access to all Secretariat staff in the field has cost implications that the Library budget can't support.

The Library is now offering Secretariat departments, offices, and missions the opportunity to co-finance access to its collection of information resources. The purpose of the co-financing partnership is to standardize access to electronic resources for staff in the field, while limiting the subscriptions' cost. The Library does not charge for its services. Each partner's contribution is entirely dedicated to covering the subscriptions' cost.

Which entities can participate?

Secretariat departments, offices, and missions in duty stations away from headquarters currently not serviced by one of the Secretariat Libraries worldwide.

Participation is not open to UN programs, funds, agencies, or other UN System entities. These entities are encouraged to purchase their subscriptions through the UN System Electronic Information Acquisitions Consortium (UNSEIAC).

What are the resources included in the package?

The package includes all resources where access can be granted via remote sign-in using the staff webmail credentials.

It excludes resources that require buying Personal IDs, such as Factiva or Financial Times. The Library can facilitate the purchase of personal IDs; however, each entity will need to pay for them in addition to the cost of the package.

What Library services will be provided to support staff in the field?

As part of the agreement, the Library will provide online library service. Staff and consultants will be able to:

• access electronic resources remotely using their institutional credentials;
• use the Library catalogue to search articles and eBooks and create an account to set up alerts;
• request digitization of articles and book chapters that the Library holds in print; 
• request interlibrary loan for articles that the Library does not hold;
• attend online training on the use of Library resources.

How are orders and payments processed?

If you are interested in joining the co-financing partnership, contact the Library to request an initial cost estimate.

In October, the Library sends each participating entity an order form, which includes the list of resources and price estimate for the following year. Each participating entity is required to sign the order form by the end of November. By signing the order form, participants confirm that the total amount will be budgeted and funds made available.

The Library places order with vendors and recovers funds through service orders in UMOJA.  Service orders are issued in March through the UN System Electronic Information Acquisitions Consortium (UNSEIAC). Each participant's financial officer is required to approve the service order.