Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key features of the new compendium platform?

• It is much easier to search for content and there is a much improved display of content once found.

• There is a browse function (left hand side bar) for content by topic for better exposure of content.

• A powerful new search engine for improved, easier data retrieval.
• Easy separation of Full datasheets from Basic ones.  Full datasheets are mainly those that are ‘Comprehensive’, written by a international expert, but also include those that are ‘Extended’, where core taxonomic data has been expanded by CABI through the acquisition of the appropriate text or data. Basic datasheets generally contain taxonomic information.

• Access to the latest up-to-date bibliographic content is available through weekly updates on CAB Direct.

• Links to full text content on the web and access to CABI Full Text are now available through the bibliographic database. The latter gives access to many relevant journal and conference articles.

• Access to the new easy-to-use CAB Direct database platform.

• Updated datasheets are now made available as we finish work on them and appear as the first items on the home page.

• Regular updating is also possible for library content and database-linked full text.

• Access to well-categorized library documents.
• Links to a vast-resource of carefully selected and vetted extra content on the web.

• Reports generator

• Background information (help, about, etc.)

• A glossary module, which includes pesticide information.
   

Why the new platform?

• The old platform was initially designed over 10 years ago and in fact each compendium was on a separate system. CABI has invested considerably to bring all the technology up to date.
   

What is the new content in the AC since the last edition?

• Over 50 disease datasheets updated with distribution data from OIE

• An up-to-date sub-set of bibliographic references from CAB Abstracts with relevance to aquaculture and aquatic and marine environments

• Over 25 new case studies from sub-Saharan Africa

• Over 400 new library documents

• Over 100 new images
   

Is that the last content update until a new edition is published?

• Bibliographic and Full Text content is updated every week. You can now supplement the datasheet information by checking the very latest scientific literature for information on quarantine, first reports, new geographic records, geographical distribution, etc.

• We also have a programme for revising AC datasheets on a regular basis as well as creating new ones. These can now be made available as soon as they are completed. Check the ‘Updates' link on the left hand menu for the latest information.  

Will new features be developed?

• The new platform is based on modules and so can be enhanced with features as demand is established and resources are available.
    

Will all current features of the compendia be available on the new platform?

• No. Feedback, internal and external from current and prospective customers, has pointed to the datasheets as being the key resources used. The focus has been to expose this content more effectively and to be able to update it more regularly.
   

Specifically what features currently on the AC will not appear on the new platform?

• Embedded FAO stats. But we will be linking to websites that provide this data that we can recommend as being reliable.

• Notepad and softlinking are also not implemented as current web sharing and search functionality have supplanted these.