Bridging the Gap Between Libraries and Data Archives

University Of California-San Diego, La Jolla CA

Investigators

Abstract

An oceanography collection providing access to nearly 50 years of shipboard data, integrating historical documents, samples, research publications, and maps from global databases is being developed into a searchable digital library. This project uses modern technologies to bridge the gap between content-related, but disparate holdings within libraries, data archives, and historical archives to create a digital library that facilitates both research and learning. The digital library is being presented to the user as an in Ocean Exploration Center supporting inquiry into the history of ocean exploration as well as oceanographic databases. From a global map of approximately 3000 oceanographic cruises, users are able to identify and retrieve relevant materials appropriate to their interest and educational level, from photographs and diaries to scientific papers and data. The maps and archival images provide K-12 and college educators with content and tools to communicate the excitement of oceanographic discovery. At the same time, students and researchers are able to use the site to locate and download data for further analysis and research. The project is serving as a model for other fields by merging materials previously segregated and accessible only to specialists and making them available to a broad audience.