Although announced at Winter Meeting, I am pleased to confirm that control of SLA's web site content management has been transferred to the Information Resources Center (IRC). Co-operation between the IRC and Computer Services (CS) will continue in the maintenance of the web site as CS will still be responsible for the technical aspects, i.e., ensuring that it functions properly. SLA is committed to using their own information professionals to develop the web site as the gateway to the Virtual Association.
A new SLA Home Page has been designed and we are in the process of revising the access points and hierarchy of the whole web site. We are well aware that the current site does not provide easy access to SLA's virtual services and products, nor does it promote those services in an exciting way. The Networking Committee and a group of users will be reviewing the revisions before the new web site is launched, but we welcome suggestions for improvements from anyone. Please send to me at irc@sla.org .
Apart from adding a Site Map (which is an absolute must for web sites now that they have so much information in them), we are developing the site with the personality of the user in mind. What are different types of user looking for? How can we get them there as quickly as possible? More than three clicks and we are all freaking out. Everything has to be instant in today's world. We are also looking to make the web more of a virtual community where there can be much more networking and sharing of information. We will be making a lot more information available only to members. As we add more value-added information to the site it is only right that it should be a member benefit and not a benefit to all and sundry. We need to encourage membership, not give it away.
For new members you may be interested to know that SLA launched its web site in early 1996. The virtual bookstore, Information Outlook online, and discussion lists were added in 1997, followed by CONSULT Online, and general enhancements to the website in 1998. Last year the members' only site, Who's Who Online with membership record updates, and the conference program planner were added. So far in 2000, we have launched the Virtual Exhibit Hall, the re-designed website will follow shortly, and new navigational tools are planned for later in the year.
LEXIS-NEXIS sponsorship confirmed
The continued sponsorship of the IRC by LEXIS-NEXIS has been confirmed for the foreseeable future. I am looking forward to our continued partnership and the introduction of new resources to improve the services offered by SLA through the IRC. Initially we expect to be adding regular hot topics news updates using the LEXIS-NEXIS Tell Me More™ service. We can also add more LEXIS-NEXIS Universe users to our licence which will give more staff direct access to information resources which currently are being provided by IRC staff.
IRC database upgrades
I am also pleased to announce that Inmagic has kindly donated to the IRC the 4.0 upgrade of DB/TextWorks. The IRC uses DB/TextWorks for its catalog, archives, board documents, serials and reference statistics. The new facility of sending search results to patrons via e-mail will be a very useful addition. Already using the previous version, we have noticed the significant amount of time saved when using the imaged board documents. In 1997 we had all the board documents from 1983-1984 digitally scanned and stored on CD-ROMs. These images can be accessed directly from the DB/TextWorks board documents database, which is a lot easier and quicker than having to go down to the archives and read a microfiche, and needless to say the print quality is much better than from fiche. Stephanie Russell, Assistant to the Executive Director, is delighted too. She now takes five CD-ROMs to the January and June board meetings instead of a trunk load of sixteen years worth of board documents. She also has the added bonus of being able to use her laptop to access the database where all the documents are catalogued under dates, subjects etc. You don't have to be a rocket scientist to know that is much more efficient than thumbing through a trunk load of documents in chronological order.
M- (INCLUDE Lexis Nexis Logo....)
For more information, contact John Latham
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