Chemistry Division Special Libraries Association

Spectral Database Libraries: Creation, Management and Access in the Digital Age

This talk will address the challenges of creating, managing and accessing spectral libraries in the digital age. Spectral data are an increasingly valuable resource for academia, as well as organizations that develop, test, manufacture, and use chemicals. This form of intellectual capital is more costly to produce each year and very critical to the success of organizations that use it.

Building quality databases is not a simple process. This talk will look at the information needed to build a spectral database and the challenges of acquiring and accessing this type of information. Spectral databases are not static; therefore the architecture on which the databases are built must be modular and customizable to capture the rapid changes in data and technology. A good spectral database will also provide tools to search, analyze spectra, predict spectral parameters, cross-reference to other techniques, and link to Internet information sources.

Libraries switching from hard copy spectral information to digital format have found significant advantages in moving to a digital format. Eliminating the large printed volumes of hard copy spectra saves shelf space, searching digital databases takes seconds compared to hours needed to search through hard copy spectra and updating digital databases is trivial compared to updating hard copy volumes. Software tools make these reference databases even more useful. For example, users can import their own spectra and directly compare them to the reference spectra in the databases and define search parameters. Searches include spectrum, structure, peak, and name. Users can also search and access valuable property information included in these databases such as sample source, CAS number, formula, boiling point, solvent used, etc.

Bio-Rad Laboratories, Informatics Division, a world leader in spectral databases, has developed a fully integrated knowledge from a customer's own databases, from Bio-Rad's Sadtler IR and NMR databases, or from our database partners' IR, NMR and MS databases.

My Profile.

Larry R. Taylor, Ph. D., joined the Informatics Division of Bio-Rad Laboratories as Senior Product Manager in March, 2002. Larry is responsible for extending the current product line, developing new products and is the AIM Consortium Director. He came to Bio-Rad from Lyondell Chemical Co. (formerly ARCO Chemical Co.) where he managed IT support and development for their R&D Division. In this role Larry led cross-functional teams that implemented information and knowledge management systems that supported R&D, Analytical Services, Information Technology, manufacturing and regulatory departments.

In 1991 Larry moved to IT from the ARCO Chemical Analytical Services Department where he managed chromatographic, spectroscopic, electrochemical, wet chemical and microscopic analysis of chemicals, solvents, polymers and plastics. Larry worked closely with chemists and chemical engineers solving customer problems, developing new products and providing technical support.

Before joining ARCO Chemical Larry worked for EG&G-Princeton Applied Research providing technical support for the marketing and sales departments. He developed new applications for voltammetric and corrosion instruments, authored technical brochures and presented seminars.

Larry is a member of the American Chemical Society and Delaware Valley Chromatography Forum.

Name: Larry Taylor, Ph.D.
Area of Responsibility: Senior Product Manager
Company: Bio-Rad Laboratories, Informatics Division
Direct Dial: +1 215 349 7348
Fax: +1 215 662 0585
Email:larry_taylor@bio-rad.com

Comments to:
Susanne J. Redalje
Chemistry Division
(206)543-2070(voice)
(206)543-3863(fax)
curie@u.washington.edu

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This page updated May 2002