Collection Spotlight: National Science Foundation Document Library
by Juan Denzer, Engineering and Computer Science Librarian
The National Science Foundation Library is provided by the National Science Foundation (NSF). An independent agency of the United States government for nearly 80 years, NSF provides support for fundamental research and education in all the non-medical fields of science, engineering and mathematics. They provide funding proposals for scientific research.
NSF is one of the premier government agencies in funding scientific research. With an annual budget of $8.8 billion (FY 2022), they are the funding source for approximately 25% of all federally supported basic research conducted by America's colleges and universities. Since NSF is the major source of federal backing, the National Science Foundation Document Library is a great resource for faculty and students to find resources in their quest for research funding.
Searching the NSF document library is quite easy. Search for materials in government forms, news releases, reports, testimony, policies and procedures and more. Perhaps you are looking for the NSF Summary of Awards. Such as the NSF's Program for Gender Equity in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. You will find that in the NSF Library. Search all the NSF organizations in the following categories:
- Biology
- Computer/Information Sciences
- Crosscutting Programs
- Education
- Engineering
- Geosciences
- International
- Math/Physical Sciences
- National Science Board
- NSF-wide
- Office of Inspector General
- Polar Programs
- Social/Behavioral Sciences
- Technology, Innovation and Partnerships
Use the advanced search tool to find even more material from the NSF document library. Want to know more about the research areas the National Science Foundation covers, head over to their detailed research areas page.
NSF Document Library is a great government repository for researchers. It is always free to the public, which makes it easier to access and share for collaboration. To provide feedback or suggest a title to add to the collection, please complete the Resource Feedback Form.