You need JavaScript to view this

FAQs


What is ETDE?

ETDE is an acronym that stands for the Energy Technology Data Exchange. ETDE was a multilateral energy information exchange initiative under the International Energy Agency (IEA) framework for 27+ years (1987-2014). The formal ETDE program end date was 30 June 2014. The agreement called for the building of a database and the sharing of metadata information (and sometimes full text) about energy research and technology literature published around the world. ETDE's primary objectives were:

  • To compile and maintain a shared database on information related to energy research and technology;
  • To disseminate information related to energy research and technology;
  • To explore, and where appropriate develop, other ways of collecting and disseminating information related to energy research and technology;

To support the work of the International Energy Agency.

OSTI served as the Operating Agent for ETDE throughout its history.

What does ETDEWEB contain?

This version of the ETDEWEB collection is limited to database records submitted by countries and organizations other than the United States. This is because the OSTI site already offers all of the US content in ETDEWEB, plus more current information. Users can search the US content by simply going to OSTI.GOV. Some of the content in ETDEWEB is also in the IAEA's International Nuclear Information System (INIS), but like OSTI, more current information continues to be added to the INIS database, so it is recommended that users also search the INIS database to see the latest information. ETDEWEB content is a mixture of publication/resource types: research reports, journal articles, conference presentations, theses, etc.

The subject scope covers the full range of energy-related topics. Some of the main areas include information on energy R&D; energy policy and planning; basic sciences (e.g., physics, chemistry and biomedical) and materials research; the environmental impact of energy production and use, including climate change; energy conservation; nuclear (e.g., reactors, isotopes, waste management); coal and fossil fuels; renewable energy technologies (e.g., solar, wind, biomass, geothermal, hydro) and much, much more.

While ETDEWEB is the largest collection of its kind in the energy field, content was limited to information contributed by its member countries and partners, and was dependent upon their own budgetary resources. Member country participation varied throughout the years, so the content is not comprehensive for any one country throughout. But often ETDEWEB content was unique and not available elsewhere.

Does ETDEWEB provide the full-text or resource for all of its content?

No. Much of the content over the years consisted of journal articles and other published literature. The majority of this content is copyrighted. While many DOIs have been added to these older articles to make it easier for users to obtain the full text, some journal content does not have them. The journal information, however, should be visible in the citation.

Full text availability for reports and some conference content was sometimes able to be shared and some of it was received in digital form or digitized since then. Some has not. Users will see full text availability noted if OSTI does have the full text here. Also, members would sometimes provide an availability statement or link to their own sites indicating where a document could be obtained, but there is no guarantee that over time that this resource still exists. OSTI is not able to further expend resources to fix links or provide further more up to date contact information on where a document could be obtained. What is visible in the record is all the information that was received. Over time, it is possible that occasional documents in the paper collection may get added.

How do I search in ETDEWEB?

ETDEWEB offers two types of search: semantic search and term search.  The default search for words or phrases entered into the basic search box from the homepage or at the top of every screen is "semantic" searching.  A semantic search technique called keyword-to-concept mapping is utilized, so your search term will be mapped to related scientific concepts allowing you to retrieve results related to your search term, but also to explore narrower and similar concepts.  Boolean operators are ignored in the basic search so your term can be easily mapped to other concepts.

The semantic search option applies only to the terms entered in the basic search keywords field.  Other fields in advanced search, including the general "all fields", apply their supplied query terms directly as a term search, and allow Boolean operators to be used.

In advanced search, the term search works much like a basic Google search, where you can enter your terms into the search fields to retrieve results.  You can search for a single term or a phrase by putting it in "double quotes." Additionally, ETDEWEB advanced search supports Boolean and proximity operators, wildcards, and parentheses for grouping:

Boolean Operators

ETDEWEB recognizes the operators AND, OR, and NOT.

Example: A search for water AND "climate change" will return results that include both the term water and the phrase climate change.

Example: A search for water OR "climate change" will return results that include either the term water or the phrase climate change.

Example: A search for water NOT "climate change" will return results that include the term water but not the phrase climate change.

+ and - allow for a search to either be required or forbidden in the search results.

Example: A search for energy +water will return results that include the term energy and also include the term water.

Example: A search for energy -water will return results that include the term energy but not the term water.

Proximity Operators

Example: "nuclear energy"~3 will return results where nuclear and energy are within three words of each other in the bibliographic record.

Parentheses for Grouping

Example: A search for water AND ("climate change" OR energy) will return results that include both the term water and either the phrase climate change or the term energy.

Combined Basic and Advanced Search

ETDEWEB offers the option to combine the basic semantic and advanced term searching for the best of both worlds. To take advantage of this, enter your semantic search terms in the basic search box. The term(s) you search will be mapped to related scientific concepts based on a thesaurus developed by OSTI, allowing you to retrieve results related to your search term, but also to explore narrower and similar concepts. In the advanced search fields, you may then enter more specific words, phrases, or select from our drop-downs to narrow within the semantic search results.

How do I modify my original search?

You can choose to modify the search by using one of the filters available (simply click on the box of interest). If you wish to modify the search based on one of the other fields available in the Advanced Search, this is also available. On the very left of the screen above the filter options is a modify search option. You can also de-select any filters that had been selected by clicking on the small x next to them.

Are there APIs available for ETDEWEB?

Yes, there are lots of APIs with stable endpoints. For more information, see the API documentation.