A widely-used search tool that speeds up access to scientific publications through a single user-friendly interface is being adapted to meet the conditions faced by researchers in universities and research institutions in developing countries.

The Electronic Library Information Navigator — or ELIN@ — which has been developed in cooperation with a wide range of publishers and information providers, allows more than ten million records to be accessed across a single user-friendly interface.

A version of it is now being optimised for use with low bandwidth Internet connections through a collaboration between the International Network for the Availability of Scientific Publications (INASP) and Lund University Libraries, Sweden.

"The availability of thousands of journal titles from hundreds of publishers has become overwhelming," says Carol Priestley, director of INASP. "[We are] delighted to be working with ELIN@ in adapting their highly successful model for use in areas where Internet access is costly and bandwidth is limited."

The new version of ELIN@ will be tested under various conditions in Africa and Asia. If the trials are successful, it will be made available for free downloading and use by libraries in developing countries.