Conference and Banqueting Centre
Church House
Dean's Yard
Westminster
London SW1P 3NZ
 
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7460 7500
Fax: +44 (0)20 7460 7505
 
Web site: http://www.churchhouseconf.co.uk/

Whether you are in Government, libraries, archives, further or higher education, the cultural heritage sector, or elsewhere, managing and capitalising upon the digital information in your care is critical.

This information, one of the most valuable assets held by many institutions, is increasingly required for reuse and reevaluation, both internally within the organisation and externally by a wide range of user communities.

Unlocking the undeniable potential of huge legacy resources is far from easy, especially given the range of ageing systems employed, the variety of uses to which data are to be put, and the need to move forward in a cost-effective manner, whilst still fulfilling existing obligations and work programmes. Nevertheless, the investment of effort in enhancing access to all of our resources is well worth it.

By developing solutions in a standards-based way, it becomes possible to achieve far more with existing data, linking across disparate resources within a single organisation as well as allowing the possibility for searching across resources held at numerous remote locations, and interacting effectively with the returned results. Interoperability of this kind makes your organisation more effective. It provides you with access to the knowledge of others, and it raises the profile of your organisation and its resources, as they become visible to new audiences.

This one day workshop, organised by UKOLN, is aimed at managers from all sectors, and fulfils two main objectives. It:

• introduces the main terms and concepts used in digital information management, and illustrates some of the technologies used in providing access to diverse resources, thus allowing managers to discuss options with their technical staff and external suppliers in an informed manner
• demonstrates the similar issues faced in different sectors, encouraging the development of shared solutions to common problems

Participants will leave the briefing with an awareness of important developments in information management, including the Dublin Core, Z39.50 and the Bath Profile, thesauri and controlled terminologies, and more, as well as an understanding of major initiatives currently underway in Government, the educational sector, and elsewhere. You will also meet individuals facing problems similar to your own, and learn something of the solutions that they have adopted.