Documentation Committee Meeting Notes
Date: 6/3/99
Present: Martha Walker, Marianne Hansen, Angi Faiks, Lori Micho, Lance Heidig, Nan Hyland
Recorder: Martha Walker

I. Library Guide: Martha reported that she delivered the revised text to Publications Services on 5/20. We have asked for a 7/23 delivery date, which Publications Services has agreed to meet. 3500 copies of the Guide must be delivered to Challenge Industries by Friday, July 30, to be included in the FYI packet, which goes to all new students. We will receive a more detailed publication schedule, including deadlines for two page proofs and a final date for changes, in the near future. Marianne will accompany Martha to Publications Services when it is time to review the blue line. Proposed changes to the Guide were kept to a minimum and include an entry on CISER Data Archive in the narratives section, an updated map, and a quotation on libraries by Hunter Rawlings.

II. Revised Help Outline: Angi and Martha reported on final changes to the Help outline as distributed to IRPC-L. The outline went through a major revision in May, mainly in response to information gathered during our user study. Angi, Martha and Marty met on 5/27 to discuss and finalize the outline, after seeking and receiving feedback from IRPC. Committee members discussed and agreed on the revised text. Angi will now work with John Fereira to transfer the new Help structure to the GW test page so committee members can start plugging in their individual pieces.

III. Review of outline items:  We reviewed the status and prioritized all outline items, setting various deadlines for different items . . . in consideration of our complicated summer schedules. We also set up an informal "buddy check" system for reviewing each other's work. If all goes according to plan, new Help will be ready for the public before the beginning of the fall semester. There are sections that will continue to develop during the academic year.

IV. Update on technical piece: Angi reported that she has been working with Adam Smith on the configuration checker, refining their earlier and on-going work on this section of Help.We were all very impressed with the work that Angi and Adam have done in this area -- constantly thinking of ways to improve this service for our patrons.

V. Next meeting: Tuesday, July 6, 9-10:30, Mann Library.