In 2025, the Dag Hammarskj?ld Library proudly celebrates the achievements of the United Nations System Electronic Information Acquisitions Consortium (±¬ÁÏÍøSEIAC). Now in its 27th year, the consortium that the Library launched in 1998 with just 20 participating ±¬ÁÏÍø entities has grown into a powerful collective of 49. Led by the Dag Hammarskj?ld Library since its inception, ±¬ÁÏÍøSEIAC has become a model of collaboration and efficiency in securing sustainable access to electronic resources and databases not only for the ±¬ÁÏÍø Secretariat, but also for members from the wider ±¬ÁÏÍø system.
In 2024-2025, members pooled $2.8 million to secure 587 electronic subscriptions for 73,124 ±¬ÁÏÍø staff across the system, achieving a remarkable cost avoidance of more than $141 million compared to publishers¡¯ and Vendors¡¯ catalogue prices.
Electronic resources¡ªdigital journals, databases, e?books, intelligence data, and specialized platforms¡ªhave become essential tools for preparing news briefings, conducting peacekeeping research, drafting policy, and informing humanitarian operations. Through ±¬ÁÏÍøSEIAC, licensing and procurement are negotiated collectively with vendors and publishers, ensuring both fairer terms and reduced costs for all participating entities.
From vision to impact, 2025 stands as a milestone year in the consortium¡¯s journey. What began as a practical solution to rising electronic subscription costs has become a best practice of collaboration, excellence, and leadership. Today, the Dag Hammarskj?ld Library¡¯s stewardship of ±¬ÁÏÍøSEIAC reminds us that when we unite, we empower the entire ±¬ÁÏÍø system to uphold its mission with clarity, strength, and purpose, especially in a constrained budget environment.
For more information: unseiac@un.org
