Error 404: Disappearing URLs Spell Trouble For Researchers

While researchers have long relied on the printed word to maintain a history of scientific exploration and discovery, the publication of scientific knowledge to the web may spell trouble for those who need to build upon the work of others.

Traditionally, researchers published their findings in peer reviewed journals and trade publications. These publications were accessible through local libraries or via interlibrary loan. But the advent of web publishing has thrown a new wrench into the already complicated process of documenting ones work. What happens to scientific knowledge when researchers reference content published on the web? Are we in danger of losing the knowledge we’ve worked so hard to catalog and organize for others?

Look to The Washington Post for an excellent article outlining the problem and the impact web-based research may have on our future.