I2NY Clearinghouse for initiatives & ideas in the state's library and

archives community

Presentation by the I2NY Clearinghouse & Communication

Working GroupPresenter: Mike Nyerges

An initiative sponsored and coordinated by the NY 3Rs Association Inc

I2NY: Information Infrastructure for NY

• Sponsored and coordinated by the NY 3Rs Association Inc.

• Identify trends and future needs of libraries and archives.

• Gather & synthesize information.

• Develop new collaborative framework for library and archive services.

I2NY: Information Infrastructure for NY

• Top summit priorities included “Create a clearinghouse for initiatives & ideas in the state's library and archives community.”

• Six working groups were established, including Clearinghouse & Communications.

• We commenced work in November 2013.

Creating a Clearinghouse for Initiatives & Ideas

• Challenges considered:

• Differing types, scale, of institutions.

• Diffuse, disparate professional associations and networks.

Creating a Clearinghouse for Initiatives & Ideas

• Approaches considered:

• Use surveys and compile reports.

• Use a blog, Listserv, eNewsletter.

• Use social media, Twitter.

• Use a website, web-accessible database.

Creating a Clearinghouse for Initiatives & Ideas

• Group collected and discussed examples of initiatives in NY.

• Reviewed Urban Libraries Council Innovations.

• Discussed what types of data--metadata--to collect and share.

Creating a Clearinghouse for Initiatives & Ideas

• Web-accessible database - efficient aggregation of data.

• Data can be disaggregated, used in e-newsletter, social media, etc.

• But who develops site?

• Surveys? Import data into back-end of site?

• User-generated content site?

Creating a Clearinghouse for Initiatives & Ideas

• Went with “user-generated” test site.

• Using off-the-shelf Drupal 7.x.

• Using free, off-the-shelf theme.

• Using a responsive design, layout first focusing on small screens & mobile.

Creating a Clearinghouse for Initiatives & Ideas

• Test-site content based on a simple set of metadata--simplified database record.

• The test database is populated with examples of initiatives gathered by the group.

Creating a Clearinghouse for Initiatives & Ideas

• Database metadata includes:

• Brief description of the initiative--maximum of 750 words.

• Plus brief summary - Initiative solving a problem, addressing a new opportunity or challenge--maximum of 150 words.

Creating a Clearinghouse for Initiatives & Ideas

• Database metadata includes:

• Institutions involved.

• URLs to initiative or lead institution to provide where to go for additional information.

• Start-dates and, if relevant, end dates of the initiative.

Creating a Clearinghouse for Initiatives & Ideas

• Databasemetadataincludes:

• 3 Categories

• -Type

• - Institution

• - Strategy

Creating a Clearinghouse for Initiatives & Ideas

• Simple registration process, but moderated.

• Basic set of roles:

• Administrator.

• Coordinator.

• Moderator.

• Contributor.

Creating a Clearinghouse for Initiatives & Ideas

• Simplified workflow for content-creation with separate user permissions for:

• Drafts - All roles.

• Review for publication - Moderator, Coordinator.

• Publishing content - Moderator, Coordinator.

Creating a Clearinghouse for Initiatives & Ideas

• Workflow is scalable: editorial roles can be created for different types of libraries, institutions.

• Administration is simplified.

• Automated notices--feedback--at each step of editorial and registration process to keep impact on support staff to a minimum.

Creating a Clearinghouse for Initiatives & Ideas

• User generated-content requires clear and transparent policies & procedures, including:

• Terms of service, copyright/creative commons statement (in draft).

• Privacy policy and disclaimer (in draft).

Creating a Clearinghouse for Initiatives & Ideas

• Simple presentation of content.

• List Summaries by date; list lengthy but not “infinite;” sortable by start-date.

• Categories combined in tag cloud for quick entry into content by type of initiative, type of institution, strategy.

Creating a Clearinghouse for Initiatives & Ideas

Domain provides framework for how people think about site - NYProjectShare.org

• Domain to facilitate word-of-mouth marketing (Domain less important in search).

• Inclusive of as many types of projects as possible.

Creating a Clearinghouse for Initiatives & Ideas

• Next Steps:

• Finalize cost; determine sustainability.

• Develop marketing & communication plan.

• Finalize and launch the site in beta.

• Obtain feedback; develop assessment.