ASGS REFERENCES AND ABSTRACTS COMMITTEE

References and Abstracts Committee

Since 1962, one of the long-running features in Fusion has been the References & Abstracts. Simply, the References & Abstracts is a listing of articles in a variety of scientific and non- scientific journals that could be of interest to a glassblower.

In 1992, a six-year project was completed of bringing all the past and (then) current References & Abstracts into a single computer database. This database has been maintained over the years and currently contains almost 5000 entries. At one point the ASGS considered printing this database for all the members, but at well over 500 pages (both sides) it was not economically feasible. The distribution of the database was limited due to the requirement that each member purchase the parent program (FileMaker Pro).

When using the References & Abstracts, all one needs to do is to enter a word or two in any field and then click on the Find button. The program works on Windows and Macintosh platforms.

[Due to copyright and logistical reasons, the ASGS does not reprint the articles. The articles listed do include the article title, author, dates, vol, and issue numbers so a glassblower may research the article at their convenience.]

Fortunately, in 1998 the ASGS was able to create a self-running version of the database so members were not required to purchase FileMaker Pro to use the database. However, since the database was too large to fit on a floppy disk, it was decided to transfer the information to a CD. But this gave us extra opportunities.

The Cumulative Index

Fusion, has been in print since 1954. There have been Symposia, and therefore printed Proceedings since 1956. There is probably an article or two that you need to find from amongst over 40 years from the full collection, but how do you find it?

In the past, there have been a variety of paper versions of the Cumulative Index, but once the References & Abstracts finished their database, it was a logical transition to apply the same database format to the articles of Fusion and the Proceedings. Now, with the same ease that one searches in the References & Abstracts, one can search through the separate Cumulative Index database.

[Like the References & Abstracts, the Cumulative Index does not reprint the articles. If the user of the CD does not have access to any of the past Fusion or Proceedings issues, the National Office can make copies of the articles for a nominal fee.]

But there was still more room available on the CD.

The Roster

The last item on the CD is the Roster of the ASGS. Now, one can search for a fellow member by their first or last name, their business, or what section they are in. The search possibilities are truly astounding.

For privacy concerns, the amount of information on the CD is no more than the information placed in the paper Roster.

Members who do not have access to a computer can get the Roster on paper, but the paper version of the Cumulative Index is not updated very often, and the References & Abstracts are not available at all on paper. The ASGS CD is updated every year.

References and Abstracts Committee Chair

Gary Coyne

Phone: (323) 343-2312

E-mail: gary@thecoynes.com

Last updated April 2, 2006