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| Vol. 18, No. 36 | July 8, 1999 |
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| Vol. 18, No. 36 | July 8, 1999 |
The UD Experts & Speakers Directory recently "went live" on the World Wide Web, providing an important global resource for reporters, community group organizers, research sponsors and others.
The interactive database currently features approximately 600 UD experts on topics ranging from early American architecture and Shakespearean criticism to semiconductor engineering, small business management, poultry farming, teaching and marine biology.
A joint effort by the Office of Public Relations and Information Technologies/Management Information Services, the directory can be searched by topic or by last name.
It also features a searchable archive of UD's national stories, including some 60 news releases to date, accompanied by photographs and web-based video clips produced by IT/University Media Services. A changing "Hot
Topic" feature provides special emphasis on breaking news.
The Experts & Speakers Directory expands the reach of the Community of Science (COS) database on the campus, Mary Hempel, public relations, said, noting that an effort is under way to involve more faculty in the arts and humanities as well as professional employees. Importantly, the new service extends the reach of UD to reporters as well, Hempel said.
"We are very pleased to unveil this versatile resource," Hempel said. "It will significantly enhance our ability to attract attention to the range of UD faculty expertise, and it affirms UD as a leader in information technologies."
Carl W. Jacobson, MIS director, said he foresees many uses for the Experts & Speakers Directory. "While the experts system is designed as a public site, to spotlight Delaware faculty and staff experts, it will also be used by colleges and departments, to showcase their own faculty and staff," Jacobson explained. "Visitors to college and department sites will use the experts' engine to learn more about the faculty and staff."
Initial information for the directory was pulled from the COS database, explained Joy S. Lynam, who headed the MIS team involved in the project. Biographical information on each UD expert is now being updated by faculty members. At the same time, she said, experts who are not yet represented in the directory are being urged to submit their profiles.
To create the directory, MIS staff needed to deliver detailed, sometimes technical information on each expert, yet in a web-friendly manner. "It was a challenge," Lynam said, "but, I think we pulled it off!"
Selected national reporters have been informed about the directory, and extensive marketing efforts are planned for September, said Ginger Pinholster, public relations. "We already have received favorable comments from reporters, including a producer with the Today show and an editor at The Washington Post," Pinholster said. "The proliferation of web-based media outlets has dramatically accelerated traditional news cycles and journalists' dependence on the Internet. With this new directory, we anticipate that UD will keep up with, and in fact, get ahead of breaking news, which will help us continue efforts to increase national visibility of the University."
After a second phase of the database has been completed by the MIS team, she added, it will include a restricted-access section where reporters can view breaking news, which will further enhance its value to the media.
Many UD employees and participating faculty contributed to the directory. Team members included Dave Gregory, public relations; and John Laker, Maria Mullin, Bruce Raker, Jane Wise and April Clark Zappaterrini, all MIS. Video clips were provided by Lonnie Hearn and his staff in IT/University Media Services, including: Kathie Troutman, Paul Rickards, Al Engberg, Bruce Lambrecht, Charles Marsh, Carl Asti, Bob DiIorio, Chris Yasik and Tim Layton.
To view the database, go to <http://www.udel.edu/experts>. Updating a biographical summary, or adding a resume to the database, is quick and easy. Just click on "web forms," then enter your Social Security and personal identification numbers. Instructions are automatically provided for those not currently listed in the database. For technical assistance, contact Pinholster at 831-6408 or at <gingpin@ udel.edu>.
"This version of UD Experts & Speakers is our first release," Lynam pointed out. "During the summer, we will collect needed changes and enhancement suggestions to further develop this application." Suggestions can be routed to <PublicRelations @udel.edu>. 
