The UK Research Reserve (UKRR – www.ukrr.ac.uk) is pleased to welcome 14 new Higher Education Institutions as members, taking its final membership to 29. The full UKRR membership, which includes libraries from right across the country, is:

Aberystwyth University
Cambridge University Library
Imperial College London
Kings College London
London School of Economics
Northumbria University
The Open University
Oxford University Library Services
Queen Mary, University of London
Royal Holloway, University of London
University of Aberdeen
University of Birmingham
University of Cardiff
University College London
University of Durham
University of Edinburgh
University of Glasgow
University of Kingston
University of Leeds
University of Liverpool
University of London Research Library Services
University of Manchester
University of Newcastle
University of Nottingham
University of Reading
University of Sheffield
University of Southampton
University of St Andrews
University of Sussex

The UKRR offers a secure solution to storing and preserving low use print research journals. This is achieved through an agreement with the British Library whereby the British Library houses the Research Reserve collection on behalf of the Higher Education (HE) sector and makes it accessible to researchers through their Document Supply Centre in Boston Spa. The programme is made possible through funding of £10 million from the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE).

Its key aims are to:

protect research information infrastructure
release 100km of shelf space in HE libraries allowing them to reuse the space in response to changing institutional priorities

Deborah Shorley, Head, UKRR said, ‘We are thrilled that so many institutions have decided to sign up for UKRR. We are now up to full strength and look forward to playing a key role in preserving the UK’S research information infrastructure’
Joanna Newman, Head of Higher Education, British Library said: ‘We are encouraged that 14 new institutions have joined the UK Research Reserve which positively demonstrates the importance and value of the service to UK HE. The British Library is delighted to support UKRR along with our partners to ensure that together we safeguard research material for future access'
Sir Alan Langlands, Chief Executive of the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) said: 'HEFCE welcomes the increased membership of this innovative initiative. The range of universities now committed to the UKRR demonstrates the understanding in the HE sector of the advantages of this kind of collaboration for research resources with the British Library.'

For further information on UK Research Reserve contact the UKRR Manager, Frances Boyle at ukrr@ukrr.ac.uk.

For more information:
British Library Press Office: Miki Lentin, 020 7412 7112, miki.lentin@bl.uk. Out of hours - 020 7412 7150

HEFCE Press Office: Philip Walker, 0117 931 7363, p.walker@hefce.ac.uk

Imperial College London Press Office: John-Paul Jones, 020 7594 6704, john-paul.jones@imperial.ac.uk.

Notes to editors:
The Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) distributes public money for teaching, research and related activities. In 2008-09 HEFCE will distribute over £9 billion to universities and colleges in England. Website: www.hefce.ac.uk
The British Library is the national library of the United Kingdom and one of the world's greatest research libraries. It provides world class information services to the academic, business, research and scientific communities and offers unparalleled access to the world's largest and most comprehensive research collection. The Library's collection has developed over 250 years and exceeds 150 million separate items representing every age of written civilisation. It includes: books, journals, manuscripts, maps, stamps, music, patents, newspapers and sound recordings in all written and spoken languages. Website: www.bl.uk
Imperial College London – Consistently rated amongst the world's best universities, Imperial College London is a science-based institution with a reputation for excellence in teaching and research that attracts 14,000 students and 6,000 staff of the highest international quality.

Innovative research at the College explores the interface between science, medicine, engineering and business, delivering practical solutions that improve quality of life and the environment - underpinned by a dynamic enterprise culture. Website: www.imperial.ac.uk