The E-print Network is a set of tools that facilitate access to and use of scientific and technical e-prints communicating the results of a wide range of research activities of interest to scientists and engineers at a variety of organizations. The E-print Network pulls widely dispersed data together through a Deep Web search capability that allows the user to search across and into full text located at various hosting sites and, using the technical capabilities available at each site, returns results that can be combined, assimilated, and used in support of scientific research. In addition, access is provided to a vast store of e-print information available on the Web through a browse capability across more than ten thousand sites.E-prints vs. Preprints (from the E-Print FAQs)
E-prints are scholarly and professional works electronically produced and shared by researchers with the intent of communicating research findings to colleagues. They may include preprints, reprints, technical reports, conference publications or other means of electronic communication.
Preprints - selectively-shared pre-published documents or articles going through the publication process - have long been recognized and utilized by peer groups throughout the scientific community. Recent technological advances, however, have incorporated preprints with other forms of peer communications to establish an information genre in its own right. Therefore, the more inclusive term e-prints is more appropriate to use currently in describing this rich and valuable source of scientific and technical information that now reaches beyond the scope of pre-published information.
The E-Print network is provided and maintained by the Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI).
