Ed,

In short, yes, I definitely think that more training in Information
Management, and more narrowly, XML and related standards-based
technologies would be very beneficial to many Historic Environment
professionals.  I'm aware that there was much interest in the few places
that were offered in the 'FISH Interoperability Toolkit technical
orientation course' that was run earlier this year, and it'd be good if
this could be expanded and widened a bit.  

Like Nick, I have some knowledge of XML and related technologies, but
this is also mainly self-taught too.  Putting this in context of a short
course practically using MIDAS XML would be very beneficial.  

Maybe this highlights the need for some targeted training in XML and the
FISH toolkit (especially how this might relate to import/export to/from
HERs), and a need for wider Historic Environment Information Management
training to cover digital archiving, disaster plans, metadata, XML
standards, etc, etc.  

Cheers,

Graham Tait

--
Graham Tait
Archaeologist
Historic Environment Section
Matford Offices
Devon County Council
County Hall
Exeter
Devon 
EX2 4QW
Telephone:  01392 382214
Fax: 01392 383011
Email: [log in to unmask]
Web:  http://www.devon.gov.uk/environment/historic_environment.htm


-----Original Message-----
From: The Forum for Information Standards in Heritage (FISH)
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of LEE, Edmund
Sent: 23 November 2005 11:43
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [FISH] Information Management training


Hello folks,

Is there a broader need for Information Management training for HERs
(and perhaps more broadly the archaeological profession) of which
raising the awareness of XML and its uses is one part?

I ask as a member of the newly formed Training and Standards team in the
English Heritage Strategy Department which serves to identify and build
up levels of skill in key areas. (And as the project manager of the
original MIDAS XML project). I would be happy to look into this area
with colleagues at EH (and via FISH partner organisations) if that seems
to be the consensus of list members. Perhaps there are other areas
relating to information management that the list can identify?

In the short term, on XML awareness, don't forget that there is also the
short introductory leaflet from EH available online via
http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/files/FISH/XML_for_the_Historic_Environment_an
_introduction.pdf

Best wishes,

Edmund Lee MIFA
Standards and Guidelines Manager
Training and Standards Team
English Heritage
National Mon. Record Centre
Kemble Drive
Swindon
SN2 2GZ
t: 01793 414719
f: 01793 414770
e: [log in to unmask]