Got an info request?
How to get environmental information for Central and Eastern Europe
It is a typical day at the REC for Ivelin Roussev. Piled high on his
desk are papers, books and computer diskettes full of environmental
data. While he cradles the telephone with his neck, he writes with his
right hand and holds a book with his left. He is talking to a
specialist from an international water-research group in Amsterdam
trying to get some information about the Danube river basin. Now he
hangs up the phone and begins to type on his computer. He will continue
in a similar way for two more hours. What is Ivo up to? Ivo is the
REC's Information Specialist with the Information Exchange Team and is
answering an information request.
Answering requests is one of the most important services the REC
offers. Usually, Ivo and others are able to provide useful information
within a few days. Yet sometimes they cannot. One reason is that the
data do not exist. Or sometimes it exists, but it is confidential and
kept locked away by governments. Another reason has nothing to do with
the information itself. Sometimes the request is flawed by being too
vague, or not time and location specific. Faulty information requests
can result in too little or too much information and valuable time
wasted. To help make information requests successful, here are some
guidelines:
Who may request information?
Anyone in the world may request information.
What kind of information can I request?
You can request any information related to the environment in Central
and Eastern Europe.
How long will it take before I receive the answer?
Most requests are answered and sent within five days. Of course, a fax
will be faster than if we send the answer by mail.
How do I make an information request?
- Be specific. Decide what information you want and describe it in as much detail as possible. Try to include dates, locations, the purpose of the information, and the kind of information you do NOT want.
- Say where you have searched already. The more we know about what you know, the more we can direct our search to your specific needs. Plus, if you have tried to get information and have been unsuccessful with a source, maybe we can be more successful, or we won't spend time trying the same source.
- Tell us how you wish to receive the information: by post (paper, diskettes), phone, fax, or e-mail.
- Tell us where the information should be sent.
- Include the name and type of organization you work for.
- Address your request in writing to: Information Exchange Team.
How much does it cost?
Information is usually provided for free. The REC may ask for costs
to be reimbursed in certain cases.
Contact:
Ivelin Roussev
Information Exchange Team, REC Head Office
E-mail: ivo@rec.org
THE BULLETIN * WINTER 1994