An Experiment In Electronic Access to Full-Text Documents: Instant Math Preprints

Abstract

Yale University has developed a prototype electronic network for the distribution of mathematics preprints, partially funded via a grant from the Council on Library Resources. Abstracts of the preprints are stored in a database at Yale that is available via the Internet. Various mathematicians at Yale University, the University of Texas at Austin, Oklahoma State University, Washington University in St. Louis, and the University of Paris have submitted abstracts to the database. The full text of the preprints exist in a series of files at participating universities which can be downloaded via anonymous ftp (file transfer protocol). This article will summarize how to access the database and how to submit abstracts to the database. Some preliminary thoughts about various technical and other barriers encountered during the project will be offered. Possible next steps will be discussed.