A HISTORY OF THE WORLDWIDE BRACHIOPOD BIBLIOGRAPHY AND DATABASE: PART I

In 1981 Rex A. Doescher compiled a list (through 1979) of living and fossil Brachiopoda based on genera. He subsequently (1990-1996) published a database (SIBIC=Smithsonian International Brachiopod Information Center) that was based on the extensive brachiopod reprint library of G.A. (Gus) Cooper. We are attempting to continue this global compilation of brachiopod literature, including older pre-1996 publications not present in the Cooper library, as well as post-1996 literature. We are currently updating the reference lists found in SIBIC and are trying to acquire PDFs or original of newly acquired references. We set up an alphabetical series of files that will make searching for material easy. In addition, we are trying to scan and maintain a large PDF library that can be used by all brachiopod workers. Efforts are being made to contact foreign brachiopod workers to obtain copies or PDFs of hard-to-find literature in countries such as Russia, China, Eastern Europe (where many brachiopodologists are now actively employed), as well South America, Australia, and Africa. Cooper’s wife (Josephine) translated much of the Russian brachiopod diagnoses into English, and we are actively seeking translations of newer Russian brachiopod literature as well. Our updated comprehensive bibliography is similar in style to SIBIC, and we have retained the alphabetical arrangement of the database. Presently we are in correspondence with most living brachiopod workers, and they are active in exchanging literature and references.