The recent announcement of an Encyclopedia of Life (www.eol.org
<http://www.eol.org/> ) struck a few chords with me in terms of an
analogous approach to a bibliographic universe of catalog records-the
catalog source that everyone can use.
The EoL will serve as an online reference and database for every one of
the 1.8 million species that are named and known (the real number is of
course larger, and extinct species will add afterwards).
I suppose the following answer to a FAQ on the EoL site is one that
might be similar to what some cataloguers envision for the future for
the next gen catalogue:
"Why has this not previously been done?"
"The project is a major, major undertaking. To date, nowhere is there a
comprehensive database of each and every species described. The sheer
enormity of this work had previously made it "wishful thinking" for the
scientific community at large. The crucial software tools to accomplish
it, namely aggregation or mash-up technology and wiki-style editing and
accumulation of content, have only demonstrated their effectiveness on a
large scale in the last year or two. What was once viewed by many as the
impossible dream is now quite possible and is being undertaken."
Other answers also seemed to provide a good model of how next gen
catalogues in general could work:
"Who will do the writing?"
"Unlike conventional encyclopedias, where an editorial team sits down
and writes the entries, the Encyclopedia will be developed by bringing
together ("mashing up") content from a wide variety of sources. This
material will then be authenticated by scientists, so that users will
have authoritative information. As we move forward, Encyclopedia of Life
and its board will work with scientists across the globe, securing the
involvement of those individuals and institutions that are established
experts on each species."
and ...
"Is this just for the scientific community?"
"No. Encyclopedia of Life is being developed to serve as a comprehensive
resource for everyone, scientist, teacher, student, media, any
interested party. It will be developed in a wide range of languages.
Once completed, we believe the Encyclopedia will be a valuable learning
and teaching resource for anyone who has an interest in Earth's
species."
and this one might hit close to home for the library community worried
about information silos ...
"How will scientists use this?"
"As a reference library and as a macroscope. For decades now, scientists
in the biological community have called for the establishment of a
database similar to what the Encyclopedia will become. They have
developed many partial encyclopedias, covering different plant or animal
groups. But the Encyclopedia will be the first common resource where
scientists across the globe can both access and share information on all
species. Encyclopedia of Life will unite key scientific communities
throughout the world, improving communication, information sharing, and
collaboration. It will allow researchers to explore and perceive
patterns too large or complex to have been studied effectively with our
old tools."
As with any project of this size, financial backing from sponsors and
thorough engagement of the stakeholders will be important for success.
Maybe the Gates Foundation funding (imperfect example, I know) should
have gone into something like this rather than the short life span of PC
hardware and software for libraries.
Thomas Brenndorfer, B.A, M.L.I.S.
Guelph Public Library
100 Norfolk St.
Guelph, ON
N1H 4J6
(519) 824-6220 ext. 276
tbrenndorfer_at_library.guelph.on.ca
Received on Mon May 14 2007 - 15:30:26 EDT