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ARL DIGITAL INITIATIVES DATABASE http://www.arl.org/did/

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ASSOCIATION OF RESEARCH LIBRARIES

ARL DIGITAL INITIATIVES DATABASE
http://www.arl.org/did/

            ARL is pleased to announce the launching of the Digital Initiatives Database, a collaboration between the University of Illinois at Chicago and ARL. The ARL Digital Initiatives Database is a Web-based registry for descriptions of digital initiatives in or involving libraries. The goal of the effort is to capture basic information for a wide range of digital initiatives. "Digital Initiative" is not defined in order to encourage the broadest possible interpretation thereby making the database a richer resource.

ABOUT THE DATABASE
            The database will provide access to initiatives underway highlighting technical features, policy choices, and subject matter. Libraries are encouraged to register information about all projects both large and small in scope. Pointers to the details of the projects and contact persons will also be provided.

            Contributors to this database are welcome to provide information about projects in progress, in planning stages, or already completed. A goal in developing the database is to provide a venue for those in the library community to share project specifics as well as lessons learned.

CALL FOR PARTICIPATION
            The idea for the Digital Initiatives Database grew from discussions during the October 1997 ARL Membership Meeting where a call was made for greater information-sharing about lessons learned from on-going digital initiatives. The database is designed for libraries to submit information directly. The current focus is on collecting project information from CIC and ARL member libraries. Once a substantial number of records and feedback from contributors is received, the forms and look of the database will likely be revised.

To ensure that the database develops into a rich, inclusive, and beneficial resource for those involved in or planning digital projects, all member libraries are encouraged to submit information about activities underway at their institutions.

CONTACTS FOR THE PROJECT
            Additional information on the project or suggestions can be sent to either ARL or to the University of Illinois, Chicago. Technical queries may be sent to: James Hodson, Electronic Services Librarian <jhodson@uic.edu> or Dru Mogge, Electronic Services Coordinator <dru@arl.org>. Queries about the content of the database can be sent to Karen Zuidema, Assistant Catalog Librarian <khz@uic.edu>, or Patricia Brennan, Program Officer <patricia@arl.org>.


AT THE SITE USERS CAN

Review the Database.  The database is housed on the ARL server and runs on the Windows NT platform using FileMaker Pro 4.0's ability to publish a database directly to the web. This version of FileMaker Pro also allows data entry through a web browser. The database currently contains forty-five project descriptions.

Submit Entries Using a Form.  The form requests information on the name, contact, URL, host institution, technical focus, subject focus, library function, keywords, and general description of the project.

Edit a Previously Submitted Entry.  Contributors can submit corrections, additions or updates to project information.

Look at Related Resources.  In addition to developing the database, pointers are provided to additional resources or major digital projects.

Supply Feedback.  We encourage feedback both from contributors to the database and also from reviewers of the database.

SAMPLE ENTRY IN THE DATABASE:

Browse Digital Initiatives Database

Project Name:	Chicago AIDS Outreach Project
URL:	http://www.uic.edu/depts/lib/services/outreach/caop/caop.html
Project Objective:
Project Description:	The Chicago AIDS Outreach Project is designed to provide AIDS and health-related information to community-based organizations whose clientele are AIDS patients, health professionals, and the public. AIDS information databases are available via the National Library of Medicine's Grateful Med search system. Objectives of the project are: 1) to create a community based consortium of organizations, clinics, and libraries in Chicago whose clientele are AIDS patients 2) link members of the consortium through the Internet to bibliograhic and non-bibliographic AIDS information to help improve public health 3) train staff at each particpating site to access HIV/AIDS-related information 4) provide document delivery of articles retrieved from the National Library of Medicine databases. Partners: the Library of the Health Sciences at the University of Illinois at Chicago, the Midwest AIDS Training and Education Center (MATEC), the Illinois Primary Health Care Association, the Greater Midwest Region of the National Network of Libraries of Medicine (GMR/NN/LM)
Host Institution:	University of Illinois at Chicago
Partners:
Contact Information
Name:	Javier Crespo
Street Address:	Library of the Health Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1750 West Polk Street
City:	Chicago
State:	IL
Zip Code:	60612
Email:
Phone:	(312) 996-8993
Fax:	(312) 996-1899
Technical Focus:	Computer Networking-Online Services
Subject Area:	Life Sciences
Library Function:	Public Services
Key Words:	Computers (General)-Electronic Information Resources; Computers (General)-Telecommunications; Computers (General)-Training; Grateful Med; Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
Comments:
Date Added to DID:	9/4/98
Last Modified:

http://www.arl.org/did/ October 23, 1998

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