Marine Ecosystems Research Department - jamstec japan agency ...

Japan Marine Science and Technology Center
Research Support Activities
Computer and Information Service
Activity overview
The Computer and Information Division (CID) has four functions: information activities consisting of collecting,
managing and disseminating publications, and providing technical advice; data management activities consisting
of data processing and quality control, and database development and operation for data dissemination; computer network
activities consisting of managing computers ranging from PCs to the supercomputer, providing technical support
to researchers, and network management and design; and promoting the use of information on environmental change
consisting of digitization of information such as deep-sea images and research achievements, collection and dissemination
of global environmental data, and providing access to facilities and equipment for researchers and public.
The CID organization is characterized by research support functions, as well as a research organization for
various technologies covering information, data management, and computational science. The main activities of
CID are as follows.
(1) Information activities
– Collection, management, provision and storage of information relating to marine science and technology
– Technical consultation concerning marine science and technology
– Editing and publishing of publications
(2) Data management activities
– Quality control of ocean observation data through correction, improvement of accuracy and other techniques
– Development and management of the various observation databases
– Numerical analysis, processing, storage and dissemination of observation data
(3) Computer network activities
– Management of computer systems and networks
– Computer-based data analysis and processing
– Investigation into the most advanced computer technologies
(4) Promoting the use of information on environmental change
– Digitization of information such as deep-sea images and research achievements and reports held by JAMSTEC
– Collection, processing and dissemination of international ocean and global environmental data
– Providing access to facilities and equipment useful not just for researchers but for local residents and schools as well
Provision of research information
(1) Collection, management and provision of books,
periodicals and other publications
CID collects, classifies, and stores a wide range of
material (books, journals, technical reports, conference
material, etc.) relating to marine science and technology
and the earth sciences from Japan and overseas. Books
are entered into a database using the LINUS library
management system, which is linked to the National
Institute of Informatics' National Center for Science
Information Systems (NACSIS) database. The library
management system connects the three research centers:
Table 1 Library inventory (books)
Type Inventory New purchases
Japanese language 11,788 4,031
Foreign language 6,152 2,393
Donated 6,268 700
Total 24,208 7,124
Table 2 Library inventory (journals and periodicals)
Type Inventory New purchases
Japanese language 1,512 titles 33 titles
Foreign language 842 titles 71 titles
Total 2,354 titles 104 titles
191