Published in Probe Volume 1(1-2): Spring-Summer 1991
Joseph H. Howard,
Director
National Agricultural Library
U.S. Department of Agriculture
When the National Agricultural Library (NAL) opened in Beltsville, Maryland, in 1967, all of the technological advances in information management that would develop over the next 24 years were probably not envisioned by the staff.
But, since that time, NAL has worked diligently to stay abreast of the new technologies and to adapt those that most benefit users. These technological advances combined with the talents and dedication of library staff have enabled NAL to improve and expand its services to better meet the needs of users in the agricultural community.
Recently NAL opened the Plant Genome Data and Information Center (PGDIC), which offers a new direction for the library in archiving and in providing the public access to a national scientific database. An initiative of USDA'S Plant Genome Research Program, the Center's primary goal is to make information on plant genome research readily available in useful formats to users.
This newsletter is but one example of the varied services PGDIC offers. In addition, PGDIC staff will provide information on all aspects of plant genome mapping; identify current genome mapping research; refer users to organizations or experts in the plant genome subject area; perform brief AGRICOLA (AGRICultural OnLine Access) database searches on a complimentary basis or exhaustive searches on a cost-recovery basis; furnish users with a Quick Bibliography (QB), Special Reference Brief (SRB), or user guide to literature; and assist users in accessing NAL's extensive collection.
These services are available to anyone interested in plant genomes, including scientists, breeders, educators, students, legislators, information professionals, administrators, and the general public.
Plans are underway to develop a new database that will contain plant genome data on four agricultural commodities--soybean, corn, wheat, and pine. As producer of the AGRICOLA computerized database and as the foremost agricultural library in the world, with nearly 2 million volumes and subscriptions to 26,000 periodicals, NAL is the ideal location for establishing and maintaining the database.
NAL staff anticipates that PGDIC will lead the way for additional centers and databases in other agriculturally related areas.
For more information on PGDIC, contact Susan McCarthy, coordinator for the Center, at (301) 504-6613.