Definition
Kenneth Thibodeau is an American information scientist, author, and former government official recognized for his contributions to scientific and technical information management, digital preservation, and records management.
Overview
Thibodeau has held senior positions within United States federal agencies, including roles at the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Department of Energy (DOE), where he was involved in developing policies and guidelines for the management of scientific and technical information. He has also served as a consultant and advisor to various governmental and academic institutions on issues related to information organization, data curation, and archival practices. In addition to his government service, Thibodeau has been affiliated with academic programs in information science, contributing to teaching and research in the field.
His scholarly output includes a number of influential publications, most notably Scientific and Technical Information: A Bibliographic Handbook (1984), which provides comprehensive guidance on the identification, acquisition, and dissemination of scientific and technical literature. He has co‑authored works on digital preservation, data stewardship, and the lifecycle management of research data, and his writings are frequently cited in standards and policy documents concerning research data management.
Etymology/Origin
The surname Thibodeau is of French origin, derived from the given name Thibault (the French form of Theobald), which combines the Germanic elements theud “people” and bald “bold.” The name is common among descendants of French‑Canadian immigrants in the United States. The given name Kenneth originates from the Gaelic name Cináed, meaning “born of fire” or “handsome.”
Characteristics
- Professional focus: Information organization, scientific and technical information (STI) policy, digital preservation, and records management.
- Key publications: Scientific and Technical Information: A Bibliographic Handbook (1984); various articles and reports on data curation and preservation strategies.
- Government service: Senior advisory roles at NSF and DOE, contributing to the formulation of national STI policies and data management frameworks.
- Academic involvement: Engagement with university programs in information science, providing expertise on the management of research data and archival materials.
- Impact: Thibodeau’s work has informed the development of standards and best‑practice guidelines used by libraries, research institutions, and governmental agencies for handling scientific data and technical documents.
Related Topics
- Scientific and Technical Information (STI)
- Digital Preservation and Data Curation
- Records Management and Archival Science
- Government Information Policy (U.S.)
- Information Retrieval and Bibliographic Control
Note: The information presented is drawn from publicly available sources and documented publications associated with Kenneth Thibodeau. No unverified claims are included.