An International Radiocarbon Data Base (IRDB), an online centralized 14C data management and retrieval system has been designed and established to compile, edit and disseminate data to researchers in many scientific fields. The need for such a research tool has been apparent for some years. Since 1985, planning conferences and workshops have addressed the issues of implementing the IRDB. Workshops in Groningen and, most recently in New Haven, have led to consensus on a microcomputer-driven catalogue-type data retrieval management system, selection of an American Advisory Board and the initiation of two pilot projects. A permanent home has been found for the data base at The University of Arizona. It is hoped that our efforts toward international cooperation will culminate with the official launching of this much needed, long overdue enterprise.

The Chair, Renee Kra, opened the Workshop with the announcement that the IRDB will be officially located at the Geosciences Department, University of Arizona, Tucson, and will begin operating on January 2, 1989.