IOL Home  Project Description   -About IOL   -Planning IOL     --Process     --Plans       ---Editorial       ---Technology       ---Governance       ---Implementation       ---Business  Project Schedule   -Meetings  Join The Effort  Disclaimer Search

Steps: | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 |   Step Five: Defining Content and Functionality   An electronic encyclopedia both mimics and differs from its print counterpart. Much of the information will be on the same subjects as contained in a traditionally published volume, but the digital version allows a much different treatment of the material, especially in its potential to connect information from different sources and/or to extend the information far beyond what a book permits. Because content, form, and function intersect in the electronic world, they must be defined in concert. What information should Indiana Online contain? What should be the organizing principles and rubrics employed by the electronic encyclopedia? How should disparate information on similar subjects be linked, especially when this information crosses formats and technical platforms? What user requirements should the system support? These and numerous other questions must be answered before designing the system itself. Methods: Based on the needs analysis (step two), the project will enlist scholars and other experts to define the topical schema to guide the development of content. Project staff will work with representatives of targeted audiences to develop the desired functionality. Both the content schema and functional specifications will be tested with key user communities. Responsibilities: In consultation with TPC, IHC to recruit and host scholars and user groups. TPC to conduct all sessions, analyze results, and prepare written proposal on content and functionality for approval by Advisory Committee. Schedule: November 1, 2001-January 15, 2002. Deliverable: Content schema.