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 late 2008 proposal covering the last four months of 2008.

Minnesota Finder

This prototype search engine (http://search.mndigital.org/) is in pretty good shape. What we need to focus on is increasing its breadth (by recruiting further participants) and improving its depth (by adding cross references and key phrases to the engine).

I will gather data from MDL for filling in some key terms (like the names of current MDL participating institutions) and special references so that the search engine presents a more compelling set of results outside the standard search results. This work should be complete by the end of September 2008. Continue system administration of Google Mini search engine through December 2008.

I will also go “on tour” to at least two locations around the state to present the Minnesota Finder, describe the technology that makes it possible, and seek participation from institutions beyond MDL Reflections partners. Help any new participants integrate their results into Minnesota Finder. These two events should be complete by December 2008.

Costs: additional search term enhancement, $500; system administration, $1,200; touring and integration of any new partners, $3,000. Total through December 2008, including overhead costs: $6,100.

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 upgrade the wiki engine and develop additional functionality for the site (improved RSS feeds, status indicating button, contact us link, and a request for an email address that will remain hidden) and manage its administration through December 2008.

I will also assist in conversations with key MDL participants to identify a roughly 400 image set of content that we could use in a mainstreaming pilot effort.

Costs: additional functionality, $2,400; system administration, $3,200; mainstreaming conversations $500. Total through December 2008, including overhead costs: $7,900.

Putting the picture together

As a consultant, I do not charge by the hour. The costs above will be charged as a flat rate. I will submit an invoice for $6,000 at the end of October and invoice the remaining $8,000 at the end of December.