Dear ARLIS-L Readers,
Your input is requested:
At the March 2003 meeting of the Reference and Information Services
Section (RISS) of ARLIS/NA, it was moved " . . . to convene a small
working group to explore the possibility of creating more efficient
access to existing free Internet subject resources on the arts. "
Having chaired a RUSA/MARS committee, which originated and was charged
with the upkeep of a list of selected innovative web-based services, I
felt I had the appropriate experience and agreed to lead a discussion on
the pros and cons of a committee-produced web-based reference tool that
requires maintenance in perpetuity (presumably).
RISS members will discuss this topic in greater detail during our April
meeting in New York. This message is an attempt to gain feedback from the
broader membership on this proposal.
Some of the concerns that were expressed during the March '03 meeting
include: 1) the enormity of the task 2) questions about how to organize
the site 3) multiple definitions of the word "portal" 4) not
wanting to "re-invent the wheel " 5) evaluation criteria and
how to keep the site current. On the other hand, some of the noted
benefits of producing a site include: 1) positive PR; 2) another guide by
trusted authorities; 3) as a professional development tool; 4) a way of
enhancing communication between art librarians (particularly reference
librarians); 5) increased visibility and the potential to reach new
patrons; 6) an efficient way for all art librarians to stay up-to-date
with selected new web sources. In short, there is much to be gained from
this activity.
The question then is: Do you think a web-based reference tool on the best
free art-related sites, selected and organized by a RISS task force,
would be of use to art librarians? You are welcome to elaborate on your
response. You may either write to me directly (address below) or respond
to the list if you would like to reply with comments. Thank you, in
advance, for your thoughts on this matter. We are all looking forward to
a lively discussion.
Please respond by March 17.
Martha Walker
Fine Arts Librarian
Sibley Dome
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY 14853
(607) 255-6719
e-mail: [log in to unmask]
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