DESIRE on Planet Sosig: Training for the Distributed Internet Cataloguing Model

Lesly Huxley, Training & Research Officer     lesly.huxley@bris.ac.uk     (Institute for Learning and Research Technology University of Bristol, 8 Woodland Road, Bristol, BS8 1TN, UK Tel: +44(0)117 928 8472 Fax: +44(0)117 928 8473 ( web site)

Ariadne 1997
(ReLIS:doi:doiari:y:1997:i:12:p:17)

Abstract:

Subject gateways like SOSIG have already proved that librarians can play a critical role in the development of Internet catalogues and collections. The next challenge for subject-specific gateways is to develop systems for distributed and collaborative cataloguing of Internet resources in the same way that collaborative systems are used for print resources with many libraries feeding records into shared databases. This paper discusses some of the work being done by the DESIRE project within the European Union to develop the systems and methods required for collaborative distributed cataloguing of Internet resources and at some of the training issues involved for those responsible for managing such systems. SOSIG is one of the lead partners in the pan-European DESIRE project, participating in two of the project's 'work packages': Indexing and Cataloguing (WP3) and Training (WP8). DESIRE (Development of a Service for Information on Research and Education) began in mid-1996, funded under the European Commission's Fourth Framework programme. It builds on existing European telematics initiatives and WWW technologies with the aim of increasing the value they offer to European researchers. SOSIG is working with other European partners to develop distributed subject-specific WWW-based cataloguing systems, methods and tools which help European researchers to locate - simply and effectively - relevant and high quality information on the Internet. The SOSIG training team is working with partners at the University of Newcastle to develop training materials to support the needs of the distributed subject-specific services, taking into account issues of distance and the use of the Web to deliver material. A workshop at the University of Newcastle in October 1997 brings together staff from the WP3 partners' services, the WP8 trainers and invited participants from non-DESIRE UK subject-based gateways with a view to sharing experiences of Distributed Cataloguing Models and the tools, training materials and methods of delivery to support them.

Note: Lesly Huxley, Training & Research Officer, discusses the work on DESIRE. This article appears in the Web, and not the print, version of Ariadne.
Month: November 1997
Year: 1997

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