H-Net at AHA 2005
American Tapestry Project Discussion
WESTIN, BAKER ROOM
SATURDAY, JANUARY 8, 12:00-2:00 P.M.
Synopsis: The strength of H-NET, the reason why I think it flourishes and has not grown "tired" as a group, is the decentralization of the networks. Networks thrive on their own interest in a uniquely "local" way. I wonder if using that as a strength, the unique nature of the networks and their range of content, could we directly work together in common research and teaching projects? As an example, we could create a project together called "The American Tapestry," where instead of digital resources, we create a common biographical database. I have worked with this idea and had created a Chinese Biographical Database, that is based on the notion of scholarly collaboration and based on the scholarly moderation principles of H-NET. We could use that database structure, (it is GIS configured and can use fuzzy dating), to link together interests from several networks who have an interest in developing research/teaching materials. Among the tables are: Biographical figures, Career, Source citations, Alternate Names, Family, Youth Activities, Education, Affiliations, Positions, Events, and Locator. I would like for us to have the ability to demonstrate theoretical utility to shared databases and to be able to collect evidence-based material in a common database, that would be free to anyone interested in biography from students to citizens. This idea of a common project, based on discussion network interests, could be based on other ideas too - not necessarily biography. If your network editors are interested in this idea of creating common projects among the networks, utilizing the strength of the network interests, then join in the discussion. Please let me know at mlevine@lcsc.edu if you are interested in discussing this idea.
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