|--------------------------------------------------------------| | "ELECTRONIC INFORMATION RESOURCES: | | Building Your Own Library Without Walls" | | | | An Article Prepared by the | | National Appropriate Technology Assistance Center | |--------------------------------------------------------------| Energy-related electronic information resources -- electronic bulletin board systems, commercial information services, and computer database services -- can bring a world of information to the desks of state energy offices and serve as useful paths for gathering and disseminating the latest information on energy-related topics. Although your office may be well-equipped with microcomputers and telephones, many of your staff may be unaware of their information gathering and researching capabilities available to them electronically via a computer modem (an inexpensive device that lets your computer send information over the phone lines). With personal computers, communication software, and modems, energy professionals can access a number of these services through their telephone lines and receive and share information with their peers and the public. According to Don Ritter, author of "Ecolinking", more than 75 million Americans now own a personal computer and almost one quarter of them have a modem. Through international networks, too, Americans are rapidly sharing information with each other; and messages are being exchanged electronically across vast distances by people from Kalamazoo to Zambia, enriching the exchange of information and ideas on a global scale. Modern electronic communication paths can now allow you to plug into a global network of energy-related information sources for only a small investment in equipment and time. + ELECTRONIC BULLETIN BOARD SYSTEMS What is an electronic bulletin board system? Like its cork namesake, the electronic bulletin board (commonly called a BBS) began as a medium for people to post and read short announcements and carry on long-distance dialogues that are convenient to the schedules of all parties involved in the discussion. While BBSs still offer this feature, they have evolved into "libraries without walls," offering data and information that can be obtained by following clearly defined pathways to the desired electronic source and unlocking its contents with only a few keystrokes. Electronic networking and information exchange on a BBS is an extension of more conventional information sharing media with distinct advantages. A primary benefit of using a BBS is instant access to computer file libraries, databases, private electronic mail (e-mail) messages, and public and private forum (special interest group) messages. Forum and e-mail messages are often posted online with computer files attached containing technical reports, newsletters and press releases, resource and contact lists, and more. Other advantages of using BBSs include: * Assistance and input on energy issues and related topics from system users. * Announcements of upcoming conferences, seminars, and training. * Notices of new publications on energy-related topics. * News releases about energy-related topics. * Database access for energy-related issues. * Access to numerous forum message areas and file libraries on energy conservation, utility, state, and federal activities, legislation and integrated resource planning, biomass, solid waste management, recycling and environmental concerns, and weatherization. In addition, BBSs offer file management programs, hints and help for using the BBSs, as well as time-and money-saving functions such as teleconferencing, key word topical searches, user registries, "quickscans" of several forums for reading the most recently posted messages, the ability to survey multiple users simultaneously with a single forum or e-mail message, and "gateways" to other networks and BBSs. A growing number of thse electronic bulletin boards are specifically dedicated to energy management and other related topics. The information contained in word processing, spreadsheet, and other types of computer files can be attached to electronic forums, file library, and e-mail messages and can be transferred or "downloaded" to a user's computer and viewed off-line later to save time and reduce telephone charges. Conversely, BBS users can also attach to their e-mail and forum messages information and data contained in computer files and "upload" those files for others to retrieve at their convenience. A world of information and services is available online, and a number of options for connecting to these services are available. In many cases, users can "log on" to a BBS in another state by dialing locally or in-state using the nearest Internet access node, packet switching network (SprintNet, Tymenet, Telenet, etc.), or subscription online service (e.g. America Online, GEnie, Compuserve, Prodigy) to avoid long-distance rates. Some bulletin boards even allow toll-free access in selected areas of the country. Listed below are some of the most useful energy-related electronic bulletin boards. Some of these services may require paying subscription and downloading fees; however, most are usually accessible for the cost of the initial phone call: CIESIN (Consortium for International Earth Science Information Network) is a network of academic, governmental, public, and private organizations that share a mutual goal of understanding global change. The goal of this network is to build and maintain information pathways for accessing, collecting, integrating, disseminating, and exploring data on global change. For more information, contact CIESIN, 2250 Pierce Road, University Center, MI 48710; (517) 791-7371 or (517) 797-2615 for customer service. EcoNet is a bulletin board established to facilitate communication on a range of global environmental topics. The system features lively message traffic on many renewable energy technologies, especially solar and wind energy in its en.energy conference. Energy-related messages and files are frequently exchanged from Latin America, Russia and Western Europe to the United States. This bulletin board service offers easy-to-use tools for posting events, preparing projects through electronic conferences, and finding and disseminating the latest information on environmental topics. Contact the Institute for Global Communications, 18 de Boom, San Francisco, CA 94107; (415) 442-0220 for membership information. The Electric Ideas Clearinghouse bulletin board system, designed and maintained by the Washington State Energy Office for Bonneville Power Administration and the Western Area Power Administration, promotes the use of energy conservation and renewable energy technologies in new commercial buildings and industrial facilities. Many users of this BBS have found it to be helpful with both general inquiries and specific technical questions. Toll-free access to this system is available to energy professional in the Pacific Northwest and in WAPA's service territory. Electric Ideas Clearinghouse BBS e-mail and forum messages also may be accessed through Internet for users located outside these areas. WAPA encourages state energy offices to access this BBS and develop their own forums. For more information, contact: Electric Ideas, 809 Legion Way SE, FA-11, Olympia, WA 98504; (206) 586-8588, (800) 872-3568 from the Pacific Northwest, or login at (206) 586-6854, (800) 762-3319 from the Pacific Northwest (Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana), or (800) PWR- PLUG in WAPA's service territory (Arizona, California, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming). Energy Information Administration (EIA) BBS, operated by the National Energy Information Center (NEIC), provides statistical and analytical energy data, information, and referral assistance to the government and private sectors, academia, and the general public. Topics discussed on this BBS include energy-related issues concerning resources, reserves, production, and demand of renewable resources, petroleum, natural gas, coal, and nuclear energy. For more information, contact NEIC, EIA, U.S. Department of Energy, EI-231, Forrestal Building, Washington, DC 20585; (202) 586-8800, or by modem (202) 586-2557. EIA E-Pubs, also operated by NEIC, has listed online the publications available from EIA, U.S. Government Printing Office, as well as other government-related publications on petroleum, coal, and electricity energy statistics. For more information, contact NEIC (listed above), or dial by modem (202) 586-8658. Enviro BBS (Eco-Science) provides access to information on topics relating to environmental protection, wilderness, endangered species, astronomy, and natural resources. Specific branches of this BBS are broken down into areas of transportation, solid waste/recycling, water heating, lighting, household heating and cooling, battery research, gardening and landscaping, and other miscellaneous categories. For more information, contact Eco-Science, 3019 N. Oakland, Arlington, VA 12707; (703) 522-5222 or dial by modem (703) 524-1837. FedWorld is a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) BBS that provides access to over one-hundred other government bulletin boards through its "gateway" option. Both FedWorld e-mail "conferences" and the other BBSs accessible through its gateway can assist the user with topics such as Federal Energy Regulatory Commission issues, information on federal energy and non-energy programs, energy-related inventions and patents, science and technology issues, solid waste management, and many others. White House papers are also archived in one of FedWorld's file libraries. Many of the BBSs accessible through the FedWorld gateway are strictly related to the activities of specific government agencies. FedWorld provides its own database, announcements of the latest government publications, and current listings of federal job openings. The system is easy to access by direct dialing and uses a simple, intuitive format. The National Technical Information Service (NTIS) operates FedWorld for DOE and should be contacted regarding any questions. Write or call the NTIS, U.S. Department of Commerce, Technology Administration, 5285 Port Royal Road, Springfield, VA 22161; (703) 487-4650, (800) 533-NTIS, or login to FedWorld by dialing (703) 321-8020. Green Lights BBS, like the organization itself, aims at gathering and distributing information relating to energy-efficient lighting systems which also reduce pollution. This BBS also promotes information dissemination on topics that cover other energy conservation issues, as well as pollution prevention and waste disposal. For more information contact Green Lights, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 401 M St., SW (ANR-445), Washington, DC 20460; (202) 479-6936 or dial by modem (202) 775-6671. Greenpeace Environet is a BBS set up for those interested in ecological and peace issues as well as disarmament, toxic waste disposal, and wildlife preservation. Communication on this BBS depends primarily on the users' interests, as the system operator selects only those with the same interests as Greenpeace. For more information, contact Greenpeace, 1436 U Street, NW, Washington, DC 20009; (202) 462-1177 or dial by modem (415) 512-9108. HandsNet connects more than 1,000 anti-poverty advocates and local and state government agencies in all 50 states. Issues related to low-income housing, energy-efficient housing, and homelessness are covered on this BBS. For more information, contact HandsNet, Inc., 819 Pacific Ave., Suite 2, Santa Cruz, CA 95060; (408) 427-0808 or (408) 257-4500 for assistance and an online access number in your area. Heartbeat Earth is not the typical BBS. Instead, it is an online interactive publication. With a variety of branches offered, the user can access this BBS, read the newsletters in one of the branches, and comment on (or leave a message about) that newsletter for other interested parties. Heartbeat covers topics and interests relating to the environment, quality of life, domestic and wild animals, and science and technology. Membership is free with only one stipulation: interaction within this BBS. A new user can decide to become a member by using the free pass (available for two weeks of use) first. This free pass gives the potential user some idea as to what is available on this BBS. For more information, contact Heartbeat Earth, 19672 Stevens Creek Blvd., Suite 309, Cupertino, CA 95014; or dial by modem (408) 257-2306. HomePower Renewable Energy Communication System BBS, from the same folks who produce HomePower Magazine, this BBS covers renewable energy and related topics. Forums and conferences are available for information on photovoltaics, wind, microhydro, and hydrogen energy, as well as on battery storage, vehicles, education, and classified advertising related to these technologies. Articles from HomePower Magazine are also available via this BBS. For more information, contact Redwood Alliance and Redwood Environmental Education Institutions, P.O. Box 293, Arcata, CA 95521; (707) 822-7884 or dial by modem (707) 822-8640. HouseNet provides a forum for obtaining and transferring messages and information about home maintenance, repair, and renovation, as well as related topics including gardening. For more information, contact HouseNet, P.O. Box 1076, 111 West Chestnut Street, Michaels, MD 21663; (410) 745-5859 or by modem (410) 745-2037. LEX (Local Exchange) is a subscription-based BBS intended to provide users employed with the local governments with direct contact with other local government officials grappling with problems and issues such as solid waste management, environmental concerns, housing management, recycling, public safety, and much more. Federal legislative alerts are posted to keep users informed of important congressional issues and executive actions. For more information, contact Local Exchange, c/o Public Technology, Inc., 1301 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20004; (202) 626-2400. LOGIN (Local Government Information Network) provides a bulletin board called News and Current Affairs Service. This service is designed to keep local officials informed of the news and current events which impact local governments. It provides news selected from a range of government and trade publications, as well as information drawn from continuous contact between LOGIN editors and legislative staff in Congress. The BBS also enables local government officials to access and ask for help within the system. For more information, contact Login Information Services, 245 East 6th St., Suite 809, St. Paul, MN 55101; (800) 328-1921. The Michigan Public Service Commission's Energy and Regulatory Matters Bulletin Board System (ERM BBS) was established to increase the frequency and quality of information transfer among state agencies, individuals, federal energy offices, public utility members, and other interested groups. The system's primary options include e-mail and forum message areas, file libraries supplementing each forum message area, databases, teleconferencing, and an online searchable directory of registered users. Public and private "forums" on the ERM BBS include biomass energy, waste management, energy conservation and energy-efficiency, regulatory issues and federal legislation, utility integrated resource planning, weatherization, and low-income energy issues. The ERM BBS continues to provide a great amount of information not otherwise distributed or obtainable elsewhere. In addition, electronic mail and forum messages from ERM BBS are now being "echoed" on the Electric Ideas Clearinghouse BBS. Users can either log directly into the system by dialing (517) 882-1421, or they can to talk directly with the system operator (Sysop) at the Michigan Public Service Commission, Electronic Mail Group, P.O. Box 30221, Lansing, MI 48909; (517) 334-6264. National Ecology Research Center (NERC) - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service covers topics related to fish and wildlife issues from preservation to legislation. This service provides polling and questionnaire information, a registry of users, file libraries relating to fish and wildlife and related topics, and special interest groups for information gathering and dissemination. For more information, contact NERC, Technical Services Branch, 4512 McMurray Ave., Fort Collins, CO 80525; (303) 226-9335 or dial by modem (303) 226-9365. Nebraska On-Line BBS, operated by the Nebraska Library Commission and the Nebraska Development Network, was developed to help create and support community-based economic development throughout the state of Nebraska. Its members are state and local agencies that are determined to meet this goal. For more information, contact the Nebraska Library Commission, Atrium, 1200 N Street, Suite 120, Lincoln, NE 68508; (402) 471-2045, (800) 742-7691, or dial by modem (800) 392-7932. Newton is a BBS set up by Argonne National Laboratory's Division of Educational Program. The purpose of Newton is to promote the networking of teachers and students to exchange ideas. Topics cover all technical levels in mathematics and the sciences. Many forums are available in the "Ask a Scientist" format where callers can pose questions to scientists in any particular field of study. Newton can be accessed through Internet and specific questions concerning this BBS should be directed to Christopher Baker at Argonne National Lab., Building 223, 9700 S. Cass Ave., Argonne, IL 60439; or call (708) 252-6925 or dial by modem (708) 252-8241. Office of Air Quality Planning & Standards Technology Transfer BBS is designed to provide access to information concerning air quality issues, including legislation, standards, and codes. Topics covered include ambient air monitoring, training in air quality issues, retrofit of buildings for air quality control, outdoor air quality, and many more. State and local agencies throughout the U.S. contribute information to this BBS and the hope is to increase communication with the goal of finding ways to eliminate air quality problems. For more information, contact the Office of Air Quality, Planning and Standards, Technical Support Division, National Air Data Branch, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711; (919) 541-5384 or dial by modem (919) 541-5742. The Pollution Prevention Information Exchange System (PIES) is a computerized information network of the EPA's Pollution Prevention Information Clearinghouse. It can be accessed in the U.S. by state and local governments toll-free to obtain information on pollution issues. For more information contact: Sprint Data Services, 8229 Boone Blvd., Suite 500, Vienna, VA 22182; (800) 736-1130 for new account information, or (800) 877-5045 for local access information. Small Business Administration Online is a BBS designed to help entrepreneurs find information and discover resources that may help them start, maintain, expand, or operate their businesses. This system provides a list of the most frequently asked questions and answers them consistently to reduce repetition by the users. Databases are also provided by this system. Among these databases are lists of local office locations and a list of preferred lenders. For additional information, call (800) 827-5722 or login at (800) 697-4636. Solid Waste Information Clearinghouse, (SWICH), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)/Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA), provides information on all aspects of solid waste management via computer, fax, and phone. A directory of the clearinghouse's library (6,200 publications) is computerized (many abstracted), and the system includes an electronic bulletin board. The toll-free number provides system access to those who don't have computers and modems. For more information, contact SWICH, P.O. Box 7219, Silver Spring, MD 20910; (800) 677-9424, or dial by modem (303) 585-0204. TogetherNet allows users to easily participate in a full range of telecommunications and information activities via the computer. E-mail can be sent to anyone worldwide through Internet; a variety of bulletin board exchanges can be accessed on issues of the environment and sustainable development, document uploads and downloads can be easily executed, and access to additional resources can be made through this BBS. For more information, contact TogetherNet, 2129 13th St., Boulder, CO 80302; (303) 444-9567. U.S. EPA and U.N. Environmental Programme BBS provides access to information on pollution and air quality issues. This BBS, operated by the Pollution Prevention Information Clearinghouse (PPIC), also provides access to three others: Pollution Prevention Information Exchange System (PIES), International Cleaner Production Information Clearinghouse (ICPIC), and OzonAction Information Clearinghouse (OAIC). These BBSs are also pollution and air quality related. For more information, contact U.S. EPA/PIES, 401 M Street, Washington, DC 20460; (703) 821-4800 or dial by modem (703) 506-1025. Wastewater Treatment Information Exchange, operated by the National Small Flows Clearinghouse (NSFC), provides access to information on solid waste management, pollution control, wastewater treatment and recycling, and related topics. For more information, contact NSFC, P.O. Box 6064, Morgantown, WV 26506; (800) 624-8301 or dial by modem (800) 544-1936. WATTSLINE is a BBS offered by Association of Demand Side Management Professionals for information sharing among its members. This BBS provides a calendar of events and notices which lists upcoming events and who to contact for further information on demand side management issues. It also provides a database of its members. Use of this database will provide the user with information on the members' names, affiliations, organization types, and state or country the members are from. Most searches are done by key words such as a person's name, a company name, or an organization type. Other key search terms might come from group interests. For more information, contact the Association of DSM Professionals, 7040 West Palmetto Park Road, Suite 2315, Boca Raton, FL 33433; (408) 297-4747, or dial (408) 984-3667 by modem. The WELL (Whole Earth 'Lectronic Link) is Whole Earth's online conferencing network. It is a source of user-generated information with features including electronic mail, conferences, and file storage and transfer on energy-related topics. For more information contact The WELL, 27 Gate Five Rd., Sausalito, CA 94965; (415) 332-4335 or by modem (415) 332-6106. + COMMERCIAL ON-LINE INFORMATION SERVICES Several companies have developed online services to serve personal computer owners. All of the providers operate from one or more host computers, have multiuser capability, and charge an access fee. Some providers cater to people with all types of computers, while others target specific users in the DOS and Mac worlds. Still others cater only to those of specific interest groups, regardless of computer type. Hundreds of services are available from these online providers. You can shop online for clothes, electronics, even food. Stock quotes and business leads are also available through these services. The latest news can be read and downloaded from wire services such as UPI, Reuters, and AP. Reservations on airlines can be made, private mail can be sent to colleagues, and participation in public conferences in real time with other members can all be done through these electronic providers. These services also provide file libraries from which you can download or upload computer files, spreadsheets, and programs. Unlike private bulletin boards, these online providers charge an hourly fee for access. Some require a one-time signup fee or a monthly minimum; but all have an hourly charge. The following is a list of these commercial online information services: "America Online" is a commercial online service for users of IBM PC- compatible, Macintosh, and Apple II computers, and is accessed through a graphic software program, customized to the user's type of computer versus a generic software package required by other services. America Online offers private electronic mail, message boards, Internet access, news feeds and business information, shopping online, travel arrangements, conference forums for real time discussions, and a variety of other interests. For more information, contact America Online, Inc., 8619 Westwood Center Drive, Vienna, VA 22182; (703) 448-8700 or (800) 827-6364. "CompuServe," the granddaddy of commercial online services, is one of the largest communities of personal computer users. It is command driven and every major personal computer format is supported, including IBM PC, Macintosh, Apple II, Commodore, and Atari. CompuServe also provides graphic software interface programs for those that are uncomfortable with terminal communications programs or would like off-line hard copy instructions to follow. It offers a range of services such as special interest groups and clubs, computing support, financial and stock information, and a variety of databases. For more information, contact CompuServe Information Services, Department L, Box 477, P.O. Box 18161, Columbus, OH 43272; (614) 457-0802 or (800) 848-8199 for customer service. "Delphi" is the only major online service right now that offers full access to Internet, although others provide gateways to exchange e-mail through Internet. You can also use Delphi's Internet mail gateway to exchange messages with over 10 million people at universities, companies, and other online services. Stock quotes, encyclopedia information, newswires, and hundreds of other services are available through Delphi. Delphi provides expert online assistance to help access the large collection of help files, books, programs, and other resources to help get the user started. For more information, login to Delphi at (800) 365- 4636; username JOINDELPHI; password AMS39. For other questions call (800) 695-4005 or send e-mail to INFO at delphi.com. "GEnie" is a commercial online service owned and operated by General Electric Company. It offers mail, special interest groups, computer shopping and travel services, games, live conferences, and software. GEnie is particularly innovative in its news service offerings, NewsGrid, which is a real-time news service compiled from the dispatches of eight of the world's largest wire services. GEnie is menu driven but allows use of keywords to save time. For more information, call or write: GE Information Services, 401 North Washington Street, Rockville, MD 20850; (301) 340-4000 or (800) 638-9636. "Prodigy," an online service subsidiary/partnership of IBM and Sears, is a networks of users that provides a communication link between special interest groups, bulletin board communications, database information, and much more. For more information, contact Prodigy Services Company, 445 Hamilton Avenue, White Plains, NY 10601; (914) 993-8789 or (800) 776- 3449. Because some of these online services can be costly, using global networks can help keep telephone costs down and usage up. One such network is the Internet. Referred to as "the network of networks" Internet is a complex web of some 5,000 regional and limited electronic networks spread throughout more than 35 countries. The number of computer users with access to Internet is estimated to be more than 10 million and growing and includes university libraries, museums, supercomputer centers, state and federal institutions, businesses, and individuals. Immediate access to hundreds of library catalogs is only one of the benefits. Sources can be obtained from roughly 300 online library catalogs -- including collections in the United Kingdom, Germany, Mexico, Israel, Switzerland, New Zealand, and Australia; thus, making Internet a valuable resource in itself. In addition to its library services, Internet offers e-mail, teleconferencing, and many other of the same options as those that are commercially available. For information on Internet, contact Netcom On-line Communication Services, Inc., 4000 Moorpark Ave., Suite 209, San Jose, CA 95117; (408) 554-8649 or, by modem (408) 241-9760, type "guest" at both login and password prompts. Netcom provides a summary of Internet that is easy to understand and allows the user to test Internet's services. To request a local access number for Internet, call (800) 521-2733 (voice) or (505) 294-5675 (online). + COMMERCIAL ON-LINE DATABASES A variety of information can be obtained from commercially available databases including bibliographic information (dates, authors, etc.), numeric information (stocks, bond, interest rates, securities, etc.), and full-text information (i.e. full text from an article, report, or book -- all online. Searches can be done that cross check many databases at one time to reduce searching time, which can be expensive. This can be done by using key words, dates, titles, or other means of finding the information, all at just a few keystrokes versus relying on time-consuming library searching of shelves. When searching online, the information can become available in as few as 10 minutes versus the hours of manual research in a library or weeks of waiting for interlibrary-loaned material. However, to make the searching process work smoothly and in a timely fashion, the user must know exactly what to look for ans where to look. Listed below are a variety of databases that are used to locate information on energy-related issues as well as a description of what types of data can be gathered: BRS and Orbit offer online services that specialize in patents, chemistry, energy and earth sciences, materials, health, safety, environmental issues, and engineering and electronics. Orbit provides citations to journal articles, patents, books, directories, theses, conference papers, annual reports, maps, specifications, statistical and tabular data, and reviews. For more information, contact Maxwell Online, Inc., 8000 Westpark Drive, McLean, VA 22102; (BRS) (800) 334-2564; (ORBIT) (800) 456-7248; Fax: (703) 893-4632. Datastar, the Dun & Bradstreet European marketing database service, has no less than 14 separate databases of marketing information on European companies. The databases are updated quarterly on D&Bs several host databases, which include Compuserve's IQUEST service, the European Space Agency ESA facility, and Radio Suiss's Datastar service. For more information, contact D-S Marketing, Inc., 485 Devon Park Drive, Suite 110, Wayne, PA 19087; Phone: 215-687-6777. DIALOG is a conglomeration of more than 200 databases that contain information on energy-related topics as well as on topics that cover the medical, space, and chemical industries, among many others. The costs for using DIALOG vary according to the database being queried. This service is different than electronic bulletin boards as you or your clients cannot converse back and forth with other users. It is strictly for information gathering using key word file searches. For more information, contact DIALOG Information Services, Inc., 3460 Hillview Ave., Palo Alto, CA 94304; (800) 334-2564 or (415) 858-3810. ECHO, the European Commison Host Organization, was set up to contribute actively to and encourage and support the use of online information in Europe. ECHOs aims are promoting the use of and and demand for advanced information services, e.g. by means of awareness campaigns, increasing market transparency for the user through multilingual electronic directions and by other information sources, facilitating access to information services by providing a multilingual online training facility and by organizing traveling training workshops, providing a test bed for databases and information services in an experimental phase and for third generation information products, and acting as a help and sounding board for users of information services in Europe. For more information, contact Commission of the European Communities, ECHO Customer Service, BP 2373, L-1023 Luxembourg; Phone: 352 48 80 41, Tix 2181 eurol lu. ITIS, the Intergrated Technical Information System, is an online system developed and maintained for the U.S. DOE by the Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI). Its databases provide access to a variety of scientific and technical informaiton collected worldwide in support of DOEs Research and Development activities and interests in energy and energy-related fields. For more information, contact the U.S. Dept. of Energy, Office of Scientific and Technical Information, P.O. Box 62, Oak Ridge, TN 37831; (615) 576-3960. Martin is an online database that provides information on businesses in the Midwest that are involved in recycling. The goal of Martin is to provide information to help link businesses that collect materials with other businesses that recycle those materials. This database provides detailed information on each of its entries, including contact information and types of materials accepted as recyclables. For more information, contact the Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50010; (515) 294-1682, or dial by modem (800) 437-8932. STN is a network of over 100 databases that is available to scientists and researchers. The American Chemical Society (ACS) connects its client- server network to the STN network so that researchers from various countries can access databases housed in the U.S. as well as other databases in Germany and Japan. The STN network is a collaboration between the ACS Chemical Abstracts Service and government-funded orgainzations in Japan and Germany. For more information, contact STN International, 2540 Olentangy River Road, Box 3012, Columbus, OH 43210; (624) 447-3600. + BOOKS The following books provide information that will help guide the users of electronic BBS's, networks, and databases in learning how to obtain information online: The Whole Internet User's Guide and Catalog, by Ed Krol, May 1993, is intended to be used for anyone who wants to access Internet's resources. This book explains what Internet is, how to get connected to Internet, how to use Internet as well as accessing other networks through Internet. It has information to help the beginner as well as how an advanced user can gain increased knowledge of this service. This book also provides assistance for online users in searching databases available through Internet. Your local bookstore should have copies available, or you can order it directly from the publisher: O'Reilly and Associates, Inc., 103 Morris Street, Suite A, Sebastopol, CA 95472; (800) 998-9938 or (707) 829-0515. Ecolinking -- Everyone's Guide to Online Environmental Information, by Don Ritter, 1992, is a good reference book about electronic information gathering. This "how-to" book will introduce the user to the computer- based tools needed to link up with others in the energy and environmental fields. It should be available at your local library, through interlibrary loan, or you can order it from the publisher: Peachpit Press, Inc., 2414 Sixth St., Berkeley, CA 94710; (510) 548-4393. + ARTICLES AND PERIODICALS The following articles and periodicals also provide helpful information regarding online data searching using electronic BBS's and databases: Boardwatch Magazine regularly reports on electronic bulletin boards. This magazine offers a good overview of what's currently happening in the world of electronic bulletin boards, describes how to access the most up-to-date information, and provides information on new electronic bulletin boards that may be useful to energy professionals as well as others. Topics recently covered by this magazine include information on books that are available online, how to find the full text of the Federal Register of government papers available for review online, and how to access the White House's bulletin board system to download speeches and press releases. Boardwatch Magazine also provides a list of some of the most common BBS's at the end of each issue. This magazine is published by Boardwatch Magazine, 8500 W. Bowles Ave., Suite 210, Littleton, CO 80123, and is a must for the user that wants to keep informed about the world of online communication. Online Access is a magazine that dedicates each issue to some specific part of the online world. Not only does it offer information that an advanced user can apply, but also relates to the young and beginning user. Online Access is published by Chicago Fine Print, Inc., 920 N. Franklin, Suite 203, Chicago, Il 60610; (312) 573-1700, and would make a good addition to any computer user's library. BBS Callers Digest, much like Boardwatch Magazine (although not as detailed), provides current information on electronic bulletin board systems. This periodical offers summaries of what's new and what's not new in computers and online communication and would be a good resource to help keep the user apprised of the BBS industry. WIRED is not just another computer magazine. It is full of articles about the computer world, but more personalized than digitalized. It's informative as well as fun to read. Each article touches on some aspect of computers and electronic communication; yet, the author puts a little bit of humanism in it to help the reader understand all of the computer mumbo-jumbo used in other magazines of this kind. Published by WIRED, 544 2nd Street, San Francisco, CA 94107; (415) 904-0660, although not as technically oriented as the others in its field, it is still a good source of information. "Domesticating Cyberspace," Scientific American, August 1993, pg. 100, provides information on the possibility of turning our television sets and telephones into a video communication system; thus, creating an "information highway." This idea has been tried, and failed, by AT&T; but now, with one of the largest cable deliverers, Tele-Communications, Inc. (TCI), this idea might actually become a reality. "Sending E-Mail Around the World," Computer User News, September 1992, describes how useful computers can be when sending and receiving information becomes time-relative. E-mail is a fast and easy way to communicate without the hassle of paper and time lags. "Under Construction: Information Superhighway," Home Office Computing, August 1993, pg. 36, provides a general idea of "the superhighway of communication." This superhighway, a network of networks, is what Internet has become as more and more people link up and communicate via e-mail, one of the most common uses of the computer today. "Using Computer Bulletin Boards for Energy Information," Energy Engineering, Vol. 87 No. 2, 1990 provides tips for logging on and using BBSs efficiently. For example, you could compose messages online, but it is more convenient and efficient to prepare them offline using your favorite word processor and then "upload" them to the BBS after you log on. These periodicals and articles, as well as others on this topic, should be available at your local library or through interlibrary loan. + SUMMARY This information is offered to serve as a menu to provide a small sample of the energy and environmental resources available to you via a computer, modem, and telephone. Because there are no geographic or time boundaries in the online world, information on energy issues is available to anyone anytime, no matter where you are or when you are there. If you decide to venture off into cyberspace in search of energy-related adventures, and we can offer any assistance as you proceed, please don't hesitate to contact us online, or send a message to us the old-fashioned way -- by calling our toll-free number or sending a letter to us via "snail mail" at NATAS, P.O. Box 2525, Butte, MT 59702-2525; (800) 428- 2525, or, in Montana, (800) 428-1718.