The Network of Information Centers, abbreviated NIC, is a Dutch association of senior Information Managers, primarily working within scientific, technological, and/or medical organizations.
The NIC was established in 1973 as a foundation under the name Nederlandse Informatiemanagers Combinatie (Dutch Information Managers Combination) with the goal of concluding contracts with providers of access to online databases (such as the Dutch Postal Service (PTT)) for conducting the then-new “online literature search.” Contracts were concluded with organizations such as ESA, with AkzoNobel, DSM, KNCV, Philips, Shell, and Unilever agreeing to guarantee a certain purchase of Chemical Abstracts.
Although searching online databases no longer requires a specific partnership, the NIC has developed into a valuable platform where information managers from large companies and universities can meet informally. Therefore, in 2009, the NIC was rebranded as an association with its current name, which better reflects its purpose.
For more about the history of NIC, please read this interesting article of Charlies L. Citroen.
Twice a year, a meeting is held at one of the participants’ locations, often featuring a guest speaker.
Meetings are held in a confidential setting where experiences, insights, and benchmarks are shared.
Meetings typically last a full workday, preceded by drinks and dinner. Any member can provide or request input before the meeting, ensuring that the meetings are interactive and relevant.