ibclogo XVI International Botanical Congess


Abstract Number: 2158
Session = 21.5.2


CHANGES IN BOTANICAL COMMUNICATION: INFORMATION ON TAP


James L. Reveal (Norton-Brown Herbarium, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742-5815, USA)


The traditional importance of libraries as the primary resource for published botanical information is being challenged by neglect of libraries and the growing use of the World Wide Web. Entering a new millenium we face an ever exploding wealth of information and ever increasingly limited funding for all aspects of science. Botanists must come to grips with the fate of libraries, library holdings, and the importance of preserving and conserving our intellectual past. We must also work to ensure that critical information on the ever changing World Wide Web be captured as a permanent resource for future generations. As a step, I urge the botanical community to join with librarians and others to establish international conservation and acquisition priorities to assure a continuation of our traditional record of botanical discoveries and observations.


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