Reference database marine mammal literature

Abstract

A comprehensive Reference Database has been designed for the marine mammal literature. The system uses INMAGIC programming (Cambridge, MA) to file, store, search, retrieve, and format the data records. The database was organized to be complementary to features developed by William E. Schevill for his library of older cetacean literature, and it uses direct association of species with some 300 indexed subjects, observation dates, locations, etc. Every component and detail of the references and annotations are available for rapid search by a wide variety of simple and complex strategies. In addition, separately indexed fields provide immediate retrieval of author, editor, year, journal, type of publication, language, genus/species (searchable by order/suborder and family as well), major subject, subject, picture, observation date, geographic location (including area name and latitude/longitude), as well as the location and library call numbers of the document referred to. Codes have been adapted for ease in identifying and searching species, subjects, journals, languages, and geographic areas. These codes may be used separately or in connection with the associated terms and texts. It is anticipated that the Reference Database will be a continuing resource for marine mammal research.