New Environmental Database Debuts on the Web

You’re a journalist covering a hot environmental story. You need solid, credible background information on your topic in a hurry. Where do you turn? A comprehensive new online database for environmental information may be your best first choice. Check out “Environmental Resources on the Web.”

The project is a joint venture between the Center for Environmental Journalism and the University Libraries at the University of Colorado at Boulder. It is motivated by the idea that a well-informed public is the basis of democracy, and the site is thus designed to help students, journalists, experts and the general public stay informed about environmental issues.

The site features a directory with more than 80 key environmental subjects, from acid rain to endangered species, population growth to waste management, and many others. A simple click on a category links the user to relevant Web sites and databases containing information on that subject. The range of topics covers scientific, political, economic and social aspects of environmental issues. Linked sources have been produced by research institutions, governmental and non-governmental organizations, and other authoritative sources carefully selected for the value and credibility of the information they offer. The database is also fully searchable, employing independent users’ terms.

Journalists who attended the Scripps Howard Institute on the Environment at CU in May received a hands-on orientation to the new site, which received rave reviews. One reporter said, “This information will be a huge boon for the work I do and want to pursue.” Another commented that the resources on the site had provided numerous story ideas.

A handout for new users called “Internet Snapshots” is also available in Adobe Acrobat.pdf format.

The database was produced by a team of graduate students at CU’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication under the direction of Professors Margaret Jobe and Tom Yulsman. Jobe is Acting Faculty Director of the Lester Math Physics Library. Yulsman is an associate professor in the School of Journalism and deputy director of the Center for Environmental Journalism. He also serves on the faculty of the Environmental Studies program.