Established in 1998 as an alliance of academic and research libraries and organizations interested in correcting market dysfunction of the scholarly publishing system, the Scholarly Publishing and Academic Resources Coalition (SPARC) works to facilitate the emergence of systems that aid the dissemination of scientific research through the networked environment. Using strategies of incubation, collaboration, market competition, and support for new business models, SPARC has demonstrated that scientific information can be distributed cost-effectively.

SPARC's most recent activity centers on public advocacy to encourage open access to the results of scientific research that has been funded by the taxpayer. Working together with like-minded organizations, it has raised awareness within the publishing industry and the government.

This presentation will review the work of SPARC and the impact of its activities on the scholarly communication process.