--- Begin Forwarded Message ---
Date: Fri, 20 Jul 2001 08:27:40 -0700
From: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Collaborative Digital Reference Service <fwd>
Sender: [log in to unmask]



With permission I am forwarding this response to Maps-L.  Ithink many
people may be interested.  David Allen
----- Forwarded by David Allen/Lib on 07/20/2001 11:24 AM -----

                    "Edward James
                    Redmond"             To:     [log in to unmask]
                    <[log in to unmask]        cc:
                    >                    Subject:     Re: Collaborative Digital Reference
                                         Service <fwd>
                    07/19/2001
                    11:22 AM






David:

As part of the test project we have both submitted and answered map
related questions.  The big drawback as we see it right now (although
the project is evolving almost daily)  is that the system does not
currently allow format-specific questions.

In other words, if I submit the question "who made the first map of
Long Island", the computer which matches the question to an
institution does not look for map libraries, just libraries that are
a) open to receiving questions at the time the question was sent  and
b)
those libraries who indicate a  "G" subject strength.

The result is that  map related questions are not sent exclusively to
map libraries. In some of the practice questions I have seen , for
example,  map questions concerning Canadian resources were answered by
a library in China when there are already a large consortium of
Canadian libraries represented in CDRS.  Additionally, the same
Chinese library was assigned (by computer matching) a question seeking
a physical description of  about an unique to LC collections.

Until the issue of format can be answered (which we are told it will
be soon)  the result is more work for more folks in more places, and
not necessarily a complete answer.

Admittedly, these quirks during the test phase are probably just
growing pains and the future for CDRS may indeed be bright for map
libraries. The goals include a  central source where one can turn to
submit "stumper" reference questions and a central list of FAQ,
submitted by institutions around the world,  where one may be able to
quickly answer  commonly asked map/geography  questions such as
elevations of cities, longest river, etc.

I would be very interested in hearing other opinions/experiences
concerning  the Collaborative Digital Reference Service (a horrific
name, by the way) especially
those map related.   For those who are unfamilar with the project see
http://www.loc.gov/rr/digiref

Ed Redmond
Library of Congress, Geography and Map Division
[log in to unmask]

(These are my own opinions and not necessarily those of LC.)




.
>>> Johnnie Sutherland <[log in to unmask]> 07/18 3:08 PM >>>
--- Begin Forwarded Message ---
Date: Wed, 18 Jul 2001 07:35:12 -0700
From: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Collaborative Digital Reference Service
Sender: [log in to unmask]



     Has anyone had experience with the Collaborative Digital
Reference
Service (CDRS), which is being sponsored by LC and OCLC?  I am
wondering if
this is something that map librarians as a group (or in our five or
six
different groups) should get involved with.  Membership seems to be
institution based, and I know that many of our institutions will be
participating.  Is there any way that map reference questions can be
earmarked so that they are circulated to map librarians?  Sounds like
this
might be a potentially useful service for publicizing maps and map
libraries, but I am not sure how it might work.

David Allen
Map Collection
SUNY Stony Brook
--- End Forwarded Message ---


--- End Forwarded Message ---