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CONCLUSION
In order to create and implement a national education information network as outlined in Access for All, several key steps must be taken. The kick-off conference was an excellent way in which to gather a knowledgeable group of experts to consider the issues as outlined in these papers. These experts brought forth new ideas and recommendations. A working group to create a set of operating procedures and bylaws for USEIN must be appointed immediately following the submission of the revised papers so that a philosophical and structural framework can be created in which USEIN can flourish. This group should be drawn from a wide array of education and library professionals in order to establish the procedural guidelines and to reflect the diverse concerns of the network's constituents. This working group must be given a firm deadline for submission of its work, and its work must be supported by and undertaken in close cooperation with NLE staff.
Another crucial step in the development of the network is to create a listserv (USEIN-L) which will allow for speedy electronic communication among the working group and interested colleagues initially, and USEIN members once the network is fully implemented.
Central to the development of USEIN is the creation of a Web page that will present the purpose of the network, support its mission with links to relevant sites and access to electronic directories and products, and provide an electronic answering service.
As part of the development of USEIN products, an electronic directory of education information and service providers, broader in scope than any existing directories, will need to be generated. This is a major effort that will require large quantities of time and funding, but will serve as the core resource for network referrals and information services. Included in this master directory will be narrative descriptions of specialized education collections, as well as quantitative data about these resources. This master directory will be searchable by keyword, and may also be used to create smaller databases of information about curriculum materials centers, historical collections, and Web based resources. This directory will be accessible through the USEIN Web page, and will be available in print form in small quantities for those unable to access the Web. Regular updating of the directory will be one of USEIN's responsibilities.
Finally, the key to the success of USEIN is its partners. These partners must be drawn from every sector having an interest in education, and must represent the diversity of the recipients of the network's services and resources. Educators, parents, students, the general public, and researchers must be served by the network as well as represented in its many organizational affiliates. This will require extensive outreach to organizations to promote the value of the network and its services. Partnership within USEIN must be viewed as a valuable activity to potential partners to encourage their ongoing participation. USEIN will only be viewed as valuable to its intended audience if its sources and services have depth, are comprehensive, and reflect the diversity of concerns within education. To that end, vigilance in maintaining a high quality program of interrelated services and products is essential. The enthusiasm and dedication demonstrated by the participants to date who have worked on the establishment of the network are proof that USEIN is a viable and greatly needed mechanism to promote the goals of educating current and future populations of the United States.
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