Background

The Cyamus regional group of IAMSLIC (International Association of Aquatic and Marine Science Libraries and Information Centers) encompasses the West Coast of North America and Hawaii; including Alaska, British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, California, Baja California, and Hawaii. Our members represent libraries in academic, governmental and private institutions, providing information services for many areas including: marine and freshwater science, oceanography, geology, fisheries, meteorology, education, policy, and more. We share a wide range of skills and expertise from all areas of librarianship.

Note: Cyamus is not an acronym. Our name is derived from Cyamus scammoni, a louse which rides on the gray whale (Eschrichtius robustus) whose migrational territory matches the group’s geographic region.

Purpose

Cyamus annual meetings are part unconference, part science boot camp, part traditional conference, and offer significant networking opportunities.  Cyamus meetings provide opportunities to visit relevant institutions and give members a forum to exchange ideas. The meetings are held in the spring, alternating with the fall international IAMSLIC conferences.