Project Title:  An eGranary for Underserved Populations in America

Department/organizational unit(s):  eGranary Digital Library / WiderNet Project

 

Mentor Name(s):  Cliff Missen

 

Brief project description:  Given the current set of permissions, the eGranary can only be distributed in developing countries.  This project will involve identifying, securing, and organizing digital resources from and for numerous stakeholders for distribution in the U.S., e.g., prisons, home schoolers, rural communities, Native American reservations, youth shelters, low income housing, etc.

Examples of key activities:

• Identify existing resources and garner permissions
• Work with state and federal governments to identify public domain content
• Work with Creative Commons and other open license schemes to identify works that fall under their license
• Expand established system to make requests of authors and publishers to include domestic distribution
• Work with university legal staff and information advocates to create guidebook for eGranary acquisitions
• Consult with potential subscribers to identify resources appropriate for U.S. patrons

 

Number of students that can be accommodated:  2 persons

 

Duration:  Fall 07 and beyond

 

Training:

Prerequisite skills: Basic computer and database skills.  Some Web design preferred.  Good communication and attention to detail.

Acquired skills: Working knowledge of the complexity of licensing, copyright, and copyleft; database development skills; Web design and Web database skills; patron communication, research and writing skills.

 

Software/Hardware Involved:  Microsoft SQL, Microsoft Access, MySQL/PHP, ASP, Confluence (wiki), SharePoint, threaded discussion, listservs

 

Tangible end product, if any:   A new eGranary that can be distributed to those lacking adequate Internet connections in the U.S.