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(meteorobs) AMS Database Research Policy
Mark;
Here is the information you requested on the utilization of the AMS visual
meteor database by interested parties and organizations.
Many years ago the AMS database was registered with the federal government
as a Small Depository Archive, and we still follow the basic guidelines
specified by that code.
To summarize these guidelines:
1. Persons wishing access must possess either professional or amateur
credentials.
This includes professional astronomers, graduate students, amateur
astronomers from local clubs or large organizations (including IMO), and, of
course, AMS members.
2. Some legitimate reason must be shown for desiring access to the database.
Ideally, this would be for research purposes, but a variety of other reasons
are acceptable. Some AMS members have simply wanted to see what it was they
had been contributing to.
3. A written request needs to be submitted to the AMS.
This can be sent to:
American Meteor Society (AMS)
D.D. Meisel, Executive Director
Department of Physics and Astronomy
State University College
1 College Circle
Geneseo, NY 14454-1401
4. Site visits must be arranged in advance with the site director.
There are two sites, one in Geneseo, NY, and one in Callahan, FL.
5. Personnel and research support is minimal.
Librarian services cannot be provided, and users of the database must be
prepared to do their own "digging."
6. Duplication of database materials is the responsibility of the researcher.
Photocopying machines are provided at the Geneseo site by the University,
for 10 cents per copy. Copying material from the database in Callahan will
require the use of commercial copying services in town.
7. In addition to site visits, small portions of the database may be loaned
out to specified persons or organizations.
Such loans require permission and arrangement with the Executive Director.
The recipient must pay for secure transportation, personal bond for the
material's return, and insurance. Loans of database material can also be
arranged through collegiate Inter-library loan.
Database notes:
The database is divided into two portions, the largest portion at the
Geneseo site. The Geneseo site contains data from about 1890 to 1975,
essentially that portion of the database Dr. Olivier work with up until his
death. This includes about 60 boxes arranged by calendar year, containing
about 300,000 separate pages, on over 1 million meteor events. The reports
range from simple hourly counts to descriptive meteor data and plots, and
cover a wide range of skill levels.
The Callahan site contains data from about 1975 to the present. It contains
the same mixture of data types and skill levels. There are about 30,000
pages, recording over 100,000 events.
It should be noted that the AMS database has been open to legitimate access
for many years, without regard to organization affiliation. The AMS does
not, however, have the resources to conduct searches and duplicate materials
for others at AMS expense. Consequently, those wishing to work with the
database must do so at their own expense and effort.
In addition, Mark, the subject of IMO use of the AMS database has been
brought up before, but at that time, the IMO considered the data unsuitable
for their work.
I hope this has been helpful.
Jim Richardson
Graceville, FL
Richardson@DigitalExpdot com