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UW Library Electronic Data Service

MINUTES OF THE MEETING, APRIL 2, 2003

Present: Jack Cooper; Susan Moskal (Chair); Sandra Keys; Richard Pinnell; Judy McTaggart (Recorder) Shabiran Rahman

  1. Additional Agenda: Add “CRISP Database” (Sandra Keys) as agenda item no.5.
    Move the agenda item “Co-op Student” to first order of business and renumber agenda.

  2. Co-Op Student (Jack Cooper)

    Jack reported he spoke with Bob Hicks about the possibility of having the co-op student in IST provide assistance to EDS on a fractional basis.. It was thought the student could probably work at least one afternoon a week. Jack asked the group to consider what the needs are and to provide a list of possible projects for students in future terms. Shabiran noted that any project considered would need to be manageable for a student to complete in one work term and the projects will need to be prioritized.

    The group discussed the issue and agreed there is a need for documentation and/or course development that could be used for such things as class presentations, training, etc. The following were suggested as possible projects:

    • Beyond 20/20
    • Cansim
    • Redesigning of EDS web page
    • Documentation of web retrieval of TDR data
    • Documentation for GIS

    Jack noted the current student is now looking at preparing documentation for Beyond 20/20 with a view to designing a course for it. He suggested that course notes (similar to manuals that come with databases) could be developed first and then later fleshed out to either on-line courses, a class course, or documentation. The group agreed this was a good approach and that the student should develop course notes now for Beyond 20/20.

    Jack stated EDS could count on this shared co-op arrangement for next term and he will confer more with Bob Hicks re hours, etc.

  3. Minutes of the Meeting of March 12, 2003: Accepted.

  4. Business Arising:

    Item no.2, Cataloguing Data Sets: Richard reported Larry has received a list from Bo Wandschneider of the datasets that need to be catalogued. They now need to be prioritized. Shabiran suggested TDR should prioritize these and submit to EDS before going to Larry for cataloguing. Action: Richard will take this to TDR for discussion.

    Item no.5, IMF and World Bank Data: Susan said she will be proceeding with the request to purchase the databases in the on-line format. Also, she is still waiting for more information about the OCUL pricing for “Source OECD”

    Item no.6, Data Links: Shabiran asked if the final edition of Data Links had been distributed Richard reported it is not finished yet. It will come to the management group on Friday.

    There was also discussion on the editorial policy regarding the use of an acronym and full name within each article. Richard clarified that the policy is to initially put the name and acronym and then the acronym would be used in the rest of the article.

    Richard also noted that, in the future, no paper copies would be distributed. It will only be available in electronic format (pdf). When the newsletter is distributed, a note will be included to notify individuals to contact EDS if printing difficulties are encountered. EDS will print a copy.

  5. Agenda for Advisory Committee Meeting, April 9, 2003 (Susan Moskal)

    Susan reported she has not received any agenda items from faculty members. She will distribute a draft copy of the agenda by Friday and any changes will be made at the meeting. Richard will make arrangements with Annette Dandyk to have coffee and juice provided.

    Draft agenda:

    1. TDR/OMG report
    2. Data Links
    3. New Data
    4. Accountancy Lab (Sandra)
    5. Co-Op Student (Jack)
    6. Census 2001
    7. Usability of TDR Website
    8. Communication

  6. CRISP Database (Sandra Keys)

    Sandra reported that Alan McNaughton (Library Rep for Accountancy) had contacted her about a possible cost sharing arrangement for the CRISP data - similar to the Compustat arrangement. The School of Accountancy currently pays for the database; however, there has been a growing interest in the data by other faculties. Sandra is looking at options to present to IRMC and wondered if this is something that should be made available through TDR or should she try to get wider participation from other faculties. The group discussed the issue and determined the most likely options would include:

    • Trying to see if Accountancy can pay more
    • Can other Departments share the cost?
    • Should it be put on Susan Routliffe’s “wish list” for purchasing electronic data?
    • Move money out of the book budget to pay increased cost

    Sandra will approach Doug Morton (Management Sciences) and Dan Sich (Actuarial Sciences) to determine what the interest for cost sharing might be with these departments.

  7. TDR/OMG Report (Richard Pinnell)

    Richard reported TDR/OMG is scheduled to meet this Friday and he will email a complete report. He noted the following items will be on the agenda:

    • Next draft of the external users’ policy (pricing structure needs to be determined)
    • Applications for funding to attend the IASSIST conference

    Richard noted TDR has a certain pot of money available to fund conference attendees. This will be divided up amongst the applicants and the Library will supplement the difference. The question was asked if it is possible to be reimbursed for the “official rep” if Sue does not attend. Richard noted the contact information would have to be changed in order to receive a reimbursement. No changes will be made at this time.

    Shabiran noted Sandra will be the representative at CAPDU. She will provide Sandra with the information.

Judy McTaggart

August 3, 2005