The National Information Server A key resource for

The National Information Server: A key resource for the Irish higher education community Marie Reddan, Librarian NUI, Galway and Chair, NIS Advisory Group LIR Annual Seminar, TCD, March 26 th, 2002 1

What is the National Information Server? The National Information Server is a webbased information service managed for the Irish Research and Education Community by HEAnet Ltd. LIR Annual Seminar, TCD, March 26 th, 2002 2

Purpose of the NIS To provide a quality online repository of information resources of relevance to the academic and research community, both in Ireland around the globe … LIR Annual Seminar, TCD, March 26 th, 2002 3

On the NIS you can expect to find. . . • • HEAnet Information Links to Quality Information sites Websites Datasets Software Events and Vacancies information News 4

Origins of NIS • 1993 - NIS first mooted • 1995 - UCD Computing Services awarded contract for management of services • 1995 also - BTi. S at UL awarded Management of the Information Services • 1997 - First NIS Manager appointed • January 1998 - Incorporation of HEAnet 5

HEAnet and the NIS Advisory Group • Increasing importance of the Information content • Advisory Group appointed / 1 st Meeting May 1999 • Terms of Reference • Membership 6

Role of the NIS Manager • Original Focus on: – Mirroring of software / archives – Hosting of databases / Websites – Current Awareness through Events / Vacancies section – Links to Information sources – Criteria for hosting databases and websites 7

Development of NIS • Current NIS Manager appointed November 2000 • Emphasis on: – Design of new website / new search facilities – Expanding Links to quality information sources – Promotion – Hosting 8

Management of NIS • • • Liaison role Site maintenance Seminars Promotion Verifying Links Reports / Statistics / Bulletins 9

Relationship of NIS / LIR • • Complementary Role Work of NIS / New LIR Committee Seminars / Workshops Database Development Support 10

NIS - an Irish Information Portal • • Some misconceptions Database Hosting / Development support Linking Not-for-profit nature of HEAnet 11

NIS 2002 - Challenges • • • Ongoing re-organisation and design Collaboration with content providers Promotion Expectations of the Community Encouraging feedback / input from the Community 12