Question:
In the past DLI was only one way to get access to PUMFS, is this still the case? What is the difference between the DLI and the “Access to PUMF Collection” subscription described here https://www.statcan.gc.ca/eng/help/microdata?HPA=1 ?
As well, in the past, individual researchers not affiliated with the DLI could request copies of a PUMF directly through the STC website free of charge, is this still the case? For example order links are available on public PUMF product webpages see: http://www5.statcan.gc.ca/olc-cel/olc?ObjId=89M0013X1991001&ObjType=46&lang=en
Answer:
The difference between the DLI and access to the PUMF collection comes down to the additional resources that are provided to subscribing institutions. DLI clients get access to a dedicated reference desk for DLI contacts, a forum to discuss data issues and concerns, access to a network of Canadian data librarians, as well as access to training and outreach sessions. The DLI is only open to Canadian postsecondary institutions. In contrast, the access to the PUMF collection is available to all institutions. The purpose of the PUMF collection is an amalgamated licence that gives subscribing institutions unlimited access to all PUMFs. Both programs provide access to data through the corporate Electronic File Transfer (EFT) service as well as through the web data portal, Nesstar.
Users can request PUMFs from Subject Matter areas for free, but each request has an associated licence agreement that the user must sign. While PUMFs are free, the subscription based fee supports the technical infrastructure access, licence administration fees and user support.
