1.3m KISTI papers to be shown via Kyobo bookstore

"A state-run research institute has agreed with Kyobo Bookstore to provide about 1.3 million of its academic articles on science and technology online, officials said Tuesday. According to the agreement by Kyobo and the Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information [KISTI], the journal articles will be accessible at www.kyobobook.co.kr or scholar.dkyobobook.co.kr, which is the bookstore’s online service for academic papers.  KISTI, founded in 1962 to establish an infrastructure in science and technology, is also in charge of collecting science-related information from around the world and providing it to local researchers. “We are glad to provide latest trends and scientific journals to people, free of charge,” said Kim Sang-hoon, an official from Kyobo’s e-business sector. “(Kyobo) will further expand its partnership with KISTI to ensure that more people can access science-related information with ease.” The recent move is part of the Korean government’s “Open Access” policy that aims to allow easy access to academic papers for all citizens. Last week, Yonsei University Medical Library signed a memorandum of understanding with Naver, Korea’s largest search engine, to provide thousands of journal articles written by its staff. In August, the National Library signed an agreement with 35 societies and five organizations -- including the Korea Trade Investment Promotion Agency and local universities -- to expand its open access system."