Baking Bytes into Bibliographic Brownies: Collect, Curate, Communicate, Repeat

Abstract

Purpose: This ongoing project enables a more comprehensive response to the changing nature of inquiry by integrating disparate sources of virtual and physical information into a flexible and dynamic institutional knowledge base. Setting/Participants/Resources: The John G. Wolbach Library serves the Cambridge-based Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics and its approximately 450 Ph.D. scientists. Its collaborative relationship with the SAO/NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS), and a beta application of the Mendeley Institutional Edition (MIE) provide us with a unique opportunity to try a new approach. Brief Description: The Wolbach Library uses a variety of in-house and vendor supplied databases to collect, curate, and manage its ever-expanding storehouse of information. This poster project describes how we are integrating existing e-resources with emerging technologies and tools in order to help us support our institutional mission. We have recently introduced a data rich Mendeley backbone to our community, which, combined with our internally curated bibliography, will allow us to provide a more comprehensive view of our research community. Results/Outcome: Approximately 18% of our users are now using Mendeley Institutional Edition accounts. Additional participation and further MIE customization will enhance the information available for administrative use.