ELECTRONIC DATA SERVICE
MINUTES OF THE MEETING, APRIL 26,2000
Present: Cooper, Jack Pinnell, Richard McTaggart, Judy (Recorder) Rahman, Shabiran
Absent: Susan Moskal
The facilitator recommended the meeting begin with the agenda items - it would not be necessary to cover "Previous Minutes" or "Business Arising" This practice would resume with the next meeting.
1. DRC Datasets on Tape (Shabiran)
Shabiran reported the list of DRC datasets on the website had been checked against the holdings at York University and ICPSR. She has determined that of the 109 datasets, 55 are available from one or both of the above. Jack Cooper indicated that there may also be some available on WATARTS. Shabiran has scheduled a meeting for Friday, May 5 to determine how to proceed locating those datasets not found and/or the necessity of retrieving all data. The following have been invited to attend: Ron Lambert (Sociology); John Wilson (Political Science); Jack Cooper (IST); Carol Vogt (IST); and Steve Breen (IST). Shabiran will send a copy of the list to both Ron Lambert and John Wilson prior to the meeting.
Richard Pinnell noted the importance of ensuring that datasets retrieved contain the original data and have not been modified. He also noted Betty Graf should be notified of any records on Trellis for datasets at York or ICPSR. These will need to be deleted as they are pointing to nothing.
2. TDR Operational Management Group (Richard)
Richard reported the TDR Operational Management Group had met and plans to meet every 2 weeks. He will report to the EDS group on a regular basis (the Wednesday following each OMG meeting) Richard provided the following update:
The terms of reference and mandate have been established. The group will have a strong focus on liaison and communication (with clients, information managers, local EDS groups and liaison librarians) The group has a mandate to establish guidelines and methodology procedures for the collection of accurate, meaningful statistics. Responsibilities also include web page development and managing publicity (Data Links newsletter) Richard noted the OMG group has been given the authority to ask for people to assist with these duties.
Richard asked the EDS group for feedback on the following:
(a) Data Links Newsletter
Shabiran offered to edit the Fall edition of the newsletter and to assist with this function on an ongoing basis. She suggested the EDS group assume complete responsibility for the production of the newsletter. Richard will speak with Susan Routliffe regarding getting additional resources for the project. He noted the scope and terms of reference for the newsletter need to be established. This will be put on the agenda for the next EDS meeting.
Jack Cooper offered to compose an article on data analysis resources (what's available for help, training, etc.) for the next issue of Data Links. He will confer with relevant people at Guelph and Laurier.
(b) Web Statistics:
Richard noted the TDR group agreed there was a need for a mechanism to collect more useful statistics. The EDS group was asked to make recommendations on what user data should be collected. Shabiran identified the following: instituional affiliation; department; status (grad, faculty); and use (research or teaching)
Discussion followed which focused on the difficulty of obtaining quantitative data. Jack noted a certification process for the site might prove useful. Richard will take this suggestion back to OMG for discussion at the next meeting.
(c) What Large Datasets Should TDR Be Purchasing?
OMG is seeking recommendations from the EDS group for any large datasets which should be purchased.
(d) Communication
OMG proposed the following communication vehicles: (l) a Listserv as a means of 1 way communication from Guelph - to be used for information about service disruptions, etc. (2) a monitored web board which could be used by anyone for the posting of notices and questions.
Shabiran thanked Richard for his report and commented that the EDS group appreciated this reporting mechanism as a communication vehicle.
3. UW Library Fall Publication (Shabiran)
Shabiran reported the Information Services Management Committee plans to produce a publication which will outline some of the Library's services. The publication will be distributed in the Fall (across campus and in the Gazette and Imprint) EDS, TDR and GIS were identified as services which might be included in the publication. Richard agreed to write a brief paragraph about GIS. He thought, however, the UMD Library should be included. Shabiran will take this back to ISMC. It was suggested that Susan Moskal's name be given to ISMC as a possible individual to contact for a write-up of the EDS/TDR service. Shabiran noted the copy needs to be completed by the end of May.
Next meeting: Wednesday, May 10, 2000; Porter 224A; 1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.