An information retrieval system for finite element and boundary element literature and software

Abstract Information is the most valuable tool that professionals have. The volume of scientific and technical literature, as well as the number of developed computer programs is growing at a prodigious rate and most researchers/engineers are no longer able to keep up-to-date with all the relevant information. The state of published literature and software where finite and boundary elements are involved is reviewed. A special purpose database, MAKEBASE, which stores information on finite and boundary element literature and software is described. This database is implemented on Apollo workstations and, at present, contains more than 48,000 literature references and information about 1700 finite element and boundary element programs. Two Appendices present a short guide to finite and boundary element information sources.