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UW Library Electronic Data Service

MINUTES OF THE MEETING, MARCH 12, 2003

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

Guest: Larry Helfand

Remarks: Susan welcomed Sandra Keys, Librarian for Economics and Accounting, as a new member of the EDS group.

  1. Additional Agenda: Add item no. 9: EDS Advisory Meeting
  1. Cataloguing Data Sets (Larry Helfand)

Larry noted he hasn’t received many notifications of new data sets from Michele Edwards but the procedure does seem to be working. He will check the TDR public web board to make sure nothing was missed. He also noted the backlog is approximately 200 datasets.

There was also discussion about ICPSR and other data sets. Susan noted that many of the ICPSR surveys could probably be removed from TDR now that people get access to ICPSR differently. The group agreed there is a need to examine what is kept on the TDR site and that this should be a topic for a future meeting.

  1. Minutes of the Previous Meeting, January 15, 2003: Accepted.
  1. Business Arising: None.
  1. IMF and World Bank Data (Susan Moskal)

Susan reported she is considering purchasing the datasets “ Financial Statistics” and “World Development Indicators” with G.P. funds. Both are available in online and cd-rom format. Susan recommends we purchase the cd-rom format and provide access on a shared basis through TDR.

She also noted she hopes to purchase “Source OACD”. Susan Routliffe is getting more information about this product from Faye Abrams

Susan also noted there is a need to take a more serious look at other available UN products. Increased costs for our global subscription to OECD has made it necessary to become extremely selective so it would be good to have something to cover this.

  1. Data Links (Susan Moskal)

Susan reported she had submitted an article about the recent EDS changes for the next issue of Data Links. Professor Sen has also made a submission.

Susan also suggested Sandra should speak with Shabiran about arranging for a tour of SWORDC.

  1. Key Library Statistics (Richard Pinnell)

Richard distributed copies of the Key Library Statistics report prepared by Linda Teather. He noted the report covers the current year only and the next step will be to add previous years to provide a 5 year coverage. He noted EDS is being reported (150,000 physical files and the percentage change is also included). He asked the group to examine the report and let him know if there are any other key indicators for EDS that need to be included. Richard noted the cartographic GIS files should be put on a separate line and he will talk with Linda about having that change made. Links to this report will be put on the web page for Library Documents (under “About Us”) and also on Murray Shepherd’s web page.

  1. TDR-OMG Report (Richard Pinnell)

Richard reported there is a line item in the budget for travel and training and this year there will be a concerted effort to use the funds. The funds are available for anyone within the 3 institutions who is interested. Richard noted he is hoping to attend a GIS conference in Victoria. Shabiran and Sandra noted they will be applying for funding to attend IASSIST/2003 and CAPDU. Susan noted she will also send information about these conferences to Jack.

Richard reported the TDR training session given by Michele Edwards was well attended. Based on feedback received, it is recognized we need to improve our understanding of Beyond 20/20. Jack noted that creating documentation or creating a training course for Beyond 20/20 might be a possible project for a co-op student in the IST Department. The group thought this would be worth pursuing. Action: Jack will follow up on this. Richard will also mention this at the next OMG meeting.

Richard reported on the GIS project. Two Geography students are currently working part-time on this and the target date is the end of May. Additional funding will be sought. The site for the GIS resources will be linked to TDR.

  1. Advisory Committee Meeting:

The date for the next Advisory Committee Meeting was set. The meeting will be held Wednesday, April 9 th; 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.; Porter 428. Action: Judy will book the room. Possible agenda items should be considered and sent to the group by email. Val Huggan will send notification of the meeting to committee members.

Next meeting: Wednesday, April 2, 2003; 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.; Porter 512A

Judy McTaggart

August 3, 2005