During FY2008 we developed two social initiatives for the MDL: the Social Side of Reflections and the Minnesota Finder search engine. We would like to continue the development of these initiatives over the course of FY2009. Due to budget constraints we will plan this development as two separate proposals, one for late 2008 and another for early 2009. This is the early 2009 proposal covering the first six months of 2009.

Minnesota Finder

This prototype search engine (http://search.mndigital.org/) is in pretty good shape. We just need to keep it running and to coordinate the development of Minnesota Finder with the MHS Great Rivers Network effort.

I will stay in touch with MHS and help MDL and MHS define the relationship between Minnesota Finder and the Great Rivers Network.

Deliverable 1: Attendance at meetings of MDL and MHS, bimonthly update report to MDL on MHS activity.

Cost: $1,300

System administration for Minnesota Finder. Managing the schedule and indexing priorities of the limited Google Search Appliance license owned by MDL. Working with Minitex staff when hardware and upgrade issues arise.

Deliverable 2: Decent, though not bulletproof, performance and availability of the search appliance.

Cost: $2,400

Social Side of Reflections

The commentary engine for Reflections is currently up and running (http://views.mndigital.org/). We would like to both massage the current system and look for ways to “mainstream” this kind of commentary into settings with a wider social reach. During late 2008 we will focus on improving the current engine and finding a partner interested in pursuing the mainstream agenda.

I will work with at least one MDL participant (likely the Jewish Historical Society of the Upper Midwest, JHSUM) to explore their readiness for The Commons on Flickr, facilitating communication between Flickr and our MDL participant. If The Commons turns out to be unacceptable to them, but participation in Flickr remains attractive, I will help develop a “regular Flickr” alternative.

Deliverable 3: Plan for Flickr presence for JHSUM with outlined steps that can be applied to other institutions.

Cost: $2,600

I will develop a workflow for moving 400-500 pilot items from Reflections to Flickr, with an eye toward informing an ongoing workflow that MDL might develop for further Flickr deposits.

Deliverable 4: MDL content of JHSUM available in Flickr with workflow documented for other institutions.

Cost: $3,900

I will assist with any administration and statistics gathering from Flickr.

Deliverable 5: Monthly statistics from JHSUM images on Flickr, May and June (possible April, if content is present then).

Cost: $700

I will work with Scott Sayer to coordinate any changes needed in CONTENTdm for the steve.museum project with the work we have done for the Social Side of Reflections. This includes being a part of CONTENTdm customization meetings with MDL staff.

Deliverable 6: Attendance at meetings of MDL team with Scott to discuss steve.museum/CONTENTdm integration options. Availability to Scott for Q&A via email and phone.

Cost: $800

System administration for the Social Side of Reflections. Managing the upkeep of PmWiki system and any integration issues that arise with Reflections. Working with Minitex staff when hardware and upgrade issues arise.

Deliverable 7: Decent, though not bulletproof, performance and availability of the social side system.

Cost: $2,400

Other Services

I will be available for no more than one day per month to assist the MDL team with other MDL issues as they arise, working with MDL on appropriate uses of technology for informing, communicating, and collaborating with its constituencies. This may include, but is not limited to, assisting with the evaluation of new collection opportunities such as newspapers or consulting with the MDL team on plans for future versions of Reflections.

Deliverable 8: Availability for meetings with MDL director and team.

Cost: $3,100

I will produce a final report documenting the changes made throughout the whole 2008/2009 timeframe and making recommendations for next steps.

Deliverable 9: Final report in June 2009.

Cost: $1,800

Putting the picture together

As a consultant, I do not charge by the hour. The costs above will be charged as a flat rate. These costs total $19,000. I will submit an invoice for $8,000 at the end of March, $8,000 at the end of May, and the remaining $3,000 at the end of June 2009.