Why an OSTI Technology Web Log?

The mission [3] of the Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI) is to advance science and sustain technological creativity by making R&D findings available and useful to Department of Energy (DOE) researchers and the American people. Key to accomplishing this mission is the delivery of information products and services to a number of constituencies. In particular, OSTI [4] makes DOE research available to scientists, researchers, engineers, academia, the international science community, and science attentive citizens.

To fulfill its mission of stewardship and dissemination of a vast collection of research information OSTI has, since its inception [5] in 1947, pioneered the development of unique technical capabilities [6] and technologies. Innovation [7] is central to accomplishing OSTI's mission and ensures that the sharing of knowledge accelerates and that science progresses. A number of key databases and resources [8] developed by OSTI ensure searchable access to scientific and technical information of concern to DOE and critical to fueling the acceleration of knowledge.

Why an OSTI Technology Web Log? No vehicle currently exists to keep OSTI's various constituencies apprised of new developments in its technologies, tools, databases and resources. Effective communication of new developments will serve to improve the effective use of OSTI's diverse offerings.

Why now? The Web was invented by physicists with the need to exchange static Web pages with other physicists. Web 2.0 is emerging as a next-generation model of information exchange. Web 2.0 comprises Web-based communities, social networking sites, Web logs and other services that foster collaboration among the Web citizenry. Web logs, in particular, foster dialog in ways that static Web sites do not. Given the wide acceptance and adoption of Web 2.0 services, a Web log is the proper vehicle to host the dialog of OSTI's technology offerings with all interested and affected parties.

What will the OSTI Technology Web Log achieve? The Web log's purpose is to provide timely information of new developments to users of OSTI's databases and resources. Additionally, the Web log aims to facilitate dialog with the public about planned offerings and to solicit comments from parties pursuant to these offerings.

The OSTI Technology Web Log aims to remove obstacles to effective utilization of DOE's information assets. Improved utilization is the ultimate goal and the single metric of this Web log's success.

Walter L. Warnick, Ph.D.

Director, OSTI