Professional toxicology societies: Web based resources

The number of digital tools available for use by researchers continues to r apidly increase as does the quantity of information available on the web. H owever, judging the reliability, quality and timeliness of this: informatio n is not always easy. One source of information about the profession of tox icology comes from the web sites of the various professional organizations that exist in this field. Given the broad nature of toxicology. there are a large number of such organizations. Some serve broader segments of the pro fession, while others have a more narrow focus. The web sites they have cre ated are similarly variable, although there are some consistencies in the t ype of information that is provided. These include mission statements, info rmation on joining the organization, and details on their annual meetings. There is also a consistent decision by these sites not to provide toxicolog ic information per se, although links to sites that do contain such informa tion are occasionally provided. Overall, the information and tools provided by professional toxicology societies around the world appears to be simila r in both quantity and quality to other scientific organizations. It is als o apparent that this information is rapidly evolving and will likely be muc h different within the next 5 years. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.