specialist directory

[poulton@xxxxxxxxxx]

With retirements, layoffs, fewer students, etc. there seems to be a 
reduction in specialists available worldwide for both contract work and 
collaborative research studies. Some areas such as fusulinids, Mesozoic 
corals, and many more are down to a very few individuals indeed. Does the 
future of paleo involve a much smaller number of specialists contributing 
their service in a much more international manner than even at present? If 
so an easily accessible directory organized by specialties is essential. 
It implies also that more specialists make their services available even 
though contracting may not be their primary working mode. Further, any 
contract/collaborative work undertaken would have to be delivered in a 
much more timely and client-oriented manner than many of us are accustomed 
to.