Responsibilities for Implementation
CONTINGENCIES
Due to the massive effort required to create the master directory of information providers, NLE will continue to provide information as it does currently through telephone and e-mail interactions. ERIC will also continue to provide this kind of information using its current resources. The master directory will go well beyond current services however due to its inclusion of education information providers that are not restricted to a particular function (such as maintaining a collection of ERIC documents or providing ERIC services).
Because not all potential users have access to electronic mail and the Web, alternative forms of access to USEIN will include telephone services as well as print directories.
Should the establishment of USEIN-L be delayed, a strong presence on the Web advising as to the current status of the implementation of USEIN needs to be provided. While this will not be as satisfactory as a listserv offering direct communication, it will be an acceptable temporary substitute. An important component of the Web page will be the inclusion of an e-mail address and toll-free telephone number to which queries may be directed.
Establishment of a working group to develop guidelines and procedures needs to receive top priority. Recommendations for the composition of this group should be solicited from the most likely organizational partners described in this and the other papers. To be effective, the working group should consist of no fewer than eight, and no more than 16 members, drawn from diverse geographical and subject-based areas. As a supplement to this working group, small task groups to develop guidelines for each of the proposed projects could be formed, leaving the working group to serve as a steering committee.
Responsibilities for Implementation