As we move through the middle phase of the eLib programme, we have to
start thinking more and more about dissemination. In many ways, the whole
point of the eLib programme is wasted if we do not have effective
dissemination. But none of us are very sure how this should be done.
We have some practical pointers. On Demand Publishing in the Humanities,
for instance, is running a series of workshops around the country. It's a
good model for a project which finishes early, but I'm sure we don't want
60 workshop series crammed into the last few months of eLib.
Obvious activities which could lead to dissemination include:
a) focus groups
b) pilot services
c) training
d) awareness articles (eg Ariadne, D-Lib, LA Record etc)
e) reports of various kinds (in print and/or on the web)
f) workshops
g) conferences
I'm beginning to think more and more that groups of like projects (perhaps
but not exclusively linked to programme areas) should start to devise
joint dissemination plans. So for example, a conference or workshop on
electronic journals might be more useful than several competing ones on
individual projects. It might get even more generalised to electronic
publishing, including other programme areas as well.
One thing to avoid in joint activities would be the succession of talking
heads saying the same thing about each project. It would be better, I
think for it to be more cooperatively planned, so project x does
copyright, y does presentation in HTML, z does presentation in PDF etc (or
whatever division is most appropriate).
The point is that dissemination is going to involve planning. I would like
suggestions on how we can facilitate that planning.
--
Chris Rusbridge
Programme Director, Electronic Libraries Programme
The Library, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
Phone 01203 524979 Fax 01203 524981
Email [log in to unmask]
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