A critical analysis of assessment criteria in the evaluation of proposals within the Libraries Sector of the Fourth Framework Programme

Reviews the structure of the European Union’s Fourth Framework Programme (FP4) for research and technological development, 1994-1998, focusing on the Libraries Programme (LP), which forms Sector 5 of Global Area B, Main Subject 1, Theme A of the First Activity of FP4. Notes the high failure rate for proposals for research projects (65 per cent) and analyzes the reasons for failure, as well as success, in securing funding with a view to aiding proposers intending to respond to the next call for proposals. Briefly defines the main objectives of the LP within the more general framework of the Telematics Application Programme, outlines the evaluation procedure in order to help proposers to understand how their proposals are handled by the European Commission in the interests of objectivity and fair treatment, and reviews and discusses the criteria used to evaluate proposals in the context of the Programme’s objectives. Concludes with general observations, recommendations and guidelines for proposers.