The National Academies Press announced that all PDF versions of books it publishes will be available for free download. This includes both its current catalog of more than 4,000 books as well as all future reports. Printed books will continue to be available for purchase through the NAP website and traditional channels.

Browse the NAP catalog at http://www.nap.edu/

NAP is publisher for the National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, Institute of Medicine, and National Research Council. Known collectively as the National Academies, they are private, nonprofit institutions that provide expert advice on some of the most pressing challenges facing the nation and the world, including many government issues. The National Academy of Sciences was formed by a congressional charter signed by President Lincoln signed in 1863. Many of their activities are mandated and funded by Congress and federal agencies.