Wide variations in D/Lasp values are exhibited in a series of bone samples of assumed similar age associated with a suite of 14C determinations from stratified contexts in a late Holocene archaeological site. In this group of bone samples, major differences in D/Lasp ratios appear to be correlated primarily with variability in amino acid nitrogen content and Gly/Glu ratios.

A multidisciplinary radiocarbon data base system written in dBASE III PLUS which follows the recommendations of the International Database Commission and specific requirements of our laboratory is described. The system updates, stores and maintains records and retrieves data according to specific key-words.

About ten radiocarbon laboratories operate in Japan and have dated more than 25,000 samples since 1960. Geomorphic development and human activities since the last glaciation have been documented with radiocarbon determinations. In order to apply these dates more effectively, the author finds it necessary to create and maintain a radiocarbon database system, which he has been doing since 1985, using a personal computer system linked to a telephone line. A researcher may access, search and retrieve data from the Radiocarbon Database System of Japan.

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.