WST Minutes

Date: January 25, 2000

Location: Helm 05

Members Present: Rosemary Meszaros, Brian Carson, Haiwang Yuan, Deana Groves, Sandy Staebell, Donna Parker, Jonathan Jeffrey, Dean Michael Binder

Haiwang showed WST the new layout of the library categories for the "Information Gateway." From introductory pages, patrons will be able to access TOPCAT 2000, KCVL, and the Internet, and local funded databases from the initial pages. It was suggested the initial page be changed to reflect that the reference phone number that should be called to get passwords rather than Robin Hanks number. The number to call is 745-6125.

Groves noted that to get our patrons to use our site, we need to advertise to let them know that search vehicles like Ask Jeeves and Met Crawler will be just one click away from our site. It was also suggested that a link be made to WST evaluation, so we can see how people like our site and the links we've chosen for the "Information Gateway." Dr. Binder wants the name, whatever we decide it will be called, to appear on the page.

Dr. Binder outlined a little history of how this project got started. It began initially with a discussion with Terry Norault from OCLC at the SOLINET's annual meeting. At the OCLC reception at ALA, Haiwang met with Terry. This work will result in a possible presentation at this year's SOLINET annual meeting in April. It was also mentioned that we will want to unveil this project locally, possibly with a press conference. Rosemary noted the proximity to National Library Week and that this would be an ideal time to make such an announcement. Carson showed a couple of websites that had a similar approach but were subject specific: law.cornell.edu & washlaw.edu.

Carson noted that once we select a name for the page, it needs to be registered. Several names were suggested: Hilltopper, Big Red, Webway, World Webway.

Haiwang asked WST members to look at refinements and remodeling of the page and to send over links for different categories. Several standards for selecting links were mentioned:

1) Try to avoid commercialization.
2) Avoid registration and passwords.
3) Must load fast.
4) Currency and frequency of updating the site.
5) Reliability. Is it an authoritative source?
6) Content should be informative.
7) No more than 10 links in each subgroup.

Sandy Staebell suggested that Antiques/Collectibles have the "Manuscripts" inserted somehow. She also suggested that the potential links be sent to WST members prior to the February 8th meeting, so we can evaluate them better.

This concept will draw people to our site, because we are non-proprietary therefore more selective and non-commercial. It will also be a feather in our cap if we can be the first such site in Kentucky.

Jonathan Jeffrey for WST