GOSIC at the University of South Florida Libraries: Using Geographic Information Systems to Support Information Access and Collaboration for Disaster Research and Planning
Theme
The roles of libraries and archives in disaster research
Start Date
2-6-2011 1:30 PM
End Date
2-6-2011 2:30 PM
Document Type
Presentation
Description
The Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill which occurred between April 20 and July 15, 2010 off the coast of Louisiana generated a steady stream of information and data exchanges on diverse topics between different individuals, groups, public and private organizations. Much of the information communicated and data associated with the oil spill was often not easily accessible or was temporary in duration. In response to the information needs of researchers, the University of South Florida Libraries (USF) developed the Gulf Oil Spill Information Center (GOSIC) web site. The GOSIC web site hosts and provides access to information integral to understanding the effects of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill upon the human and natural environments of the Gulf of Mexico region. It also integrates a data portal design constructed with ArcGIS geographic information software, which can store spatially defined research data. The web site also facilitates access to relational databases of related information such as documents, images, sound and video media. GOSIC not only hosts information from scientists engaged in primary research, but allows for collaboration, publishing, and discovery of new ideas in oil spill research. The web site adopts an open-access strategy to ensure that researchers around the globe will have access, regardless of location. GOSIC at the USF Library will be a useful tool in preparation and planning for future oil spill crises.
GOSIC at the University of South Florida Libraries: Using Geographic Information Systems to Support Information Access and Collaboration for Disaster Research and Planning
The Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill which occurred between April 20 and July 15, 2010 off the coast of Louisiana generated a steady stream of information and data exchanges on diverse topics between different individuals, groups, public and private organizations. Much of the information communicated and data associated with the oil spill was often not easily accessible or was temporary in duration. In response to the information needs of researchers, the University of South Florida Libraries (USF) developed the Gulf Oil Spill Information Center (GOSIC) web site. The GOSIC web site hosts and provides access to information integral to understanding the effects of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill upon the human and natural environments of the Gulf of Mexico region. It also integrates a data portal design constructed with ArcGIS geographic information software, which can store spatially defined research data. The web site also facilitates access to relational databases of related information such as documents, images, sound and video media. GOSIC not only hosts information from scientists engaged in primary research, but allows for collaboration, publishing, and discovery of new ideas in oil spill research. The web site adopts an open-access strategy to ensure that researchers around the globe will have access, regardless of location. GOSIC at the USF Library will be a useful tool in preparation and planning for future oil spill crises.
