As IAMSLIC members will recall, in 1990 Stephanie Haas questioned ASFA’s supremacy in marine science libraries and found “potential pitfalls” if relying on a single database to adequately discover the relevant literature (Haas 1990). We still question the best way to access the literature in our multidisciplinary field. Patrons and...
In the past, fisheries and aquaculture researchers in Africa have been handicapped by poor access to current scientific literature and difficulties in getting published in visible outlets. Efforts in the past decade to improve access, awareness and use of information have flourished. We examine whether these efforts are reflected in...
The Oregon State University Libraries began working on implementation of an institutional repository through a five month planning process. The Task Force responsible for the planning identified campus needs for such a service, examined persistent issues and challenges, and made recommendations for a pilot project. These steps are summarized and...
All educational institutions granting higher degrees have the responsibility to archive copies of their dissertations and theses. While some people prefer the peer-reviewed articles that should emerge from the work, others find value in the originals. This debate aside, dissertations and theses present an intriguing opportunity for electronic archiving and...
In its quest to promote the wise utilization and conservation of the United States' ocean and coastal resources, the National Sea Grant Program sponsors a vast array of research and educational ventures. Much of this is published, either in print or electronically. Locating this information can be an adventure even...
Assessing the fisheries and wildlife collection at Oregon State University proved to be a useful venture. Using the WLN Conspectus framework, the librarian generated data on the collection that was used to describe its strengths and weaknesses. This glimpse at the process and some of the issues may be useful...
We initiated an evaluation of the scholarly communication and publishing process in marine and aquatic sciences. This involves three components: describing the core journals for the discipline; examining the mechanics of publishing; and learning the mindset of authors and editors. We identified a core list of 19 journal titles and...
GIS is a buzzword these days at marine labs, field stations, university campuses and government agencies. The design and implementation of a GIS involves the use and organziation of data in ways that are familiar to library and information center staffs. Librarians should know what they are and how they...