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of the difficulties researchers face in developing countries is
accessing information. This is particularly true for specialized
subjects, such as the conservation and sustainable development of
wetlands and coastal zones. Obtaining printed information in a bibliographical
listing is as difficult as obtaining a copy of the documents themselves.
 The
Wetlands and Coastal Zones Documentation Center ("CEDOHUM,"
for its initials in Spanish) was created to help researchers surmount
these difficulties. First, the center offers a simple way of obtaining
basic information that would otherwise be unavailable. Second,
CEDOHUM provides a quick and effective way to disseminate unpublished
information generated in the Mesoamerican region.
When CEDOHUM began functioning in 1990 its
database consisted of approximately 1500 reference works. Now
it has around 9000 articles on topics related to wetlands and
coastal zones, including both published and unpublished works.
These are stored in a MICRO-ISIS database that is updated daily.
Main Objective:
Contribute to the systematization of information on wetlands and
coastal zones that is generated at the world level, and support
research, training, and communication activities.
Specific Objectives:
- Carry out electronic distribution of bibliographical data
in the general CEDOHUM collection
- Create a network of specialist users comprised of experts
with technical capacity in the area of wetland and coastal
zone management
- Contribute to the dissemination of research findings and
the results of wetland and coastal zone management, through
exchange of published and unpublished information among interested
institutions in and outside the region
To achieve these objectives, CEDOHUM focuses
its activities on the following:
- Consolidating a specialized collection of documents on wetlands
and coastal zones
- Maintaining an updated bibliographic database
- Producing new bibliographical and reference databases
- Creating value-added information products and services
Information Products and Services
Products
- DOCHUM: specialized data base comprising the CEDOHUM
computerized document information system, which makes it possible
to provide services and put together specialized information
products.
- REFHUM: reference database for a mixed reference
information system that provides information on institutions
and experts working in the area of wetlands and coastal zones.
- Bibliographical publications prepared at the request of
individual users.
- Catalogue of periodical publications: listing of magazines
and bulletins at CEDOHUM.
Services:
- Consultation: provides users with access to the CEDOHUM
collection
- Photocopying: photocopies of documents ($US .10 per
page)
- Reference: rapid responses to specific queries about
institutions, programs, cases and experts related to wetlands
and coastal zones
Users:
- IUCN members in the Mesoamerican region: 51 academic, government
and nongovernmental and local organizations
- CEDOHUM user network: approximately 400 persons, including
wetlands and coastal zone specialists, students, various types
of organizations and the general public
- Groups of wetlands and coastal zone specialists in each country
of the region: their collaboration facilitates CEDOHUM training
and advisory activities
- Other documentation centers and libraries in the region: these
special types of users assist with information transfer and
updating to and from CEDOHUM
Strategic Alliances:
 In
order to join forces with institutions carrying out academic work
in mutual areas of interest, CEDOHUM is working to establish strategic
alliances with other document centers, libraries and similar institutions
for information-sharing purposes. These formal alliances allow
CEDOHUM and its partners to work together in promoting and supporting
activities to disseminate existing information.
For example, thanks to the letter of understanding
signed between IUCN-ORMA and the Regional Program for Wildlife
Management, at Universidad Nacional (Costa Rica), CEDOHUM and
the university's "BIODOC" center benefit from various
types of cooperation.
Online Access:
CEDOHUM information products and
services can be used at the following website:
www.acceso.or.cr/metabase
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