Over the past 20 years, the b-on – Online Knowledge Library has been providing unlimited access to thousands of scientific journals and online ebooks from some of the most important scientific content providers. Today, the community connected to this FCCN service, FCT's digital services, gathered at the Polytechnic of Viseu to celebrate this legacy and mission.
Celebrating b-on's two decades of existence by bringing together partners and friends. This was the main objective of the event held today, November 20th, at the Polytechnic of Viseu. It also served as an opportunity to reflect on the role and future of this digital service, provided by the Foundation for Science and Technology through FCCN.
The day's program was divided into several sections. After an initial panel dedicated to the genesis of this digital service, sessions focused on its development, impact, and future, as well as a symbolic toast celebrating these two decades of existence. This itinerary allowed, throughout the day, "reflection on the past, present, and future of this long and excellent partnership," b-on highlights on its website.
During the event, some metrics were presented that illustrate the impact of this service on the daily lives of the teaching and research community. The number of users has been steadily increasing, now reaching approximately 480,000. Total downloads have also been growing significantly: 2024 marked the first time the target of 20 million annual downloads will be reached.
Another of b-on's most impactful aspects is its transformative agreements, revealed Simone Zacarias, science manager at b-on. These agreements allow b-on to "contribute to the production of open-access scientific content." "We estimate savings of €11.6 million from these agreements in 2024," she revealed. Since the creation of these agreements in 2022, b-on has already saved authors a cumulative €27.6 million.
"Passion was mentioned several times today, and that's one of the elements that explains b-on's success," Miguel Andrade, Area Director of FCCN, FCT's digital services, emphasized at one point during today's event. Highlighting "the passion of the people who work and have worked on this project over the years," Miguel Andrade cited another "decisive factor" in his work, which allows for increased impact, concluding: "Collective interest, through collaboration between institutions."
"The future of b-on involves embracing the technologies and opportunities available to it," emphasized Simone Zacarias, looking ahead to what awaits the Online Knowledge Library in the coming years. This idea was echoed by the Vice-Rector of the University of Coimbra, Delfim Leão. "We don't know exactly what will happen in the field of science," he emphasized, before adding: "b-on must continue to anticipate the future."
And the future of b-on was the focus of the words of the Director of Scientific Information at FCCN, FCT's digital services, João Mendes Moreira, when singing happy birthday: "As before, for the coming years, we are counting on you and we will be here to serve you."
To learn more about this event, visit the event website.
