However, one important reason is that the scientists did not believe they would be credited for their work. We are hoping to promote the use of data set citations. We have been working to simplify the directory search. The current search interfaces have been modified for this particular version of the directory. One is the Guided Interface, in which valid terms for all the parameters are listed in pull-down menus.
Anytime changes are made to the valids, they take effect here.
Another interface is based on the Isite search engine software, which is Z39.50 compliant. Since Isite permits numeric searches, you can do temporal searches for date ranges and spatial searches. You can also search for data in specific fields. The parent-child capability implemented through the Guided Search using the database has also now been implemented through Isite. There are two experimental search interfaces for which we are seeking user feedback.