Casting the Net: The Development of a Resource Collection for an Internet Database

Abstract

CyberStacks(sm), a demonstration prototype World Wide Web information service, was established on the home page server at Iowa State University with the intent of facilitating identification and use of significant Internet resources in science and technology. CyberStacks(sm) was created in response to perceived deficiencies in early efforts to organize access to Internet resources and the inherent inadequacies of original and current Internet directories and search services. It has adapted the Library of Congress classification scheme and "neo-conventional" functionality as mechanisms for managing access to the growing number of information sources made available over the Internet in recent years. This paper reviews the general features of CyberStacks(sm), analyzes the decision processes behind its creation, describes the use of conventional and innovative information management tools and techniques that were employed in developing a preview set of candidate titles for potential incorporation within its collection, and discusses the associated impact on the future enhancement of the service. (Contains 17 references.) (Author)