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- CURRENT MEETING REPORT
-
-
- Minutes of the Humanities and Arts Working Group (harts)
-
- Reported by Scott Stoner, Artsedge
-
-
- Scott Stoner, HARTS Working Group Co-Chair, asked individuals in
- attendance to introduce themselves and their interests regarding the
- arts and humanities. He then outlined the agenda and goals of the
- meeting and referenced the recently completed ISN FAQ as a potential
- model for developing the HARTS FAQ.
-
- Initial discussion focused on refining the FAQ draft outline (a revised
- version of that was circulated to HARTS members earlier via the
- HARTS listserv). Members determined that the FAQ should respond to
- two primary objectives: 1) inform members of the arts and humanities
- communities about the range of functions and capabilities in conjunction
- with arts and humanities content and interests, and 2) motivate them,
- as potential users, to seek training and resources necessary to become
- active participants on the Internet.
-
- Members also emphasized that this would not be a "how-to" document
- but would otherwise point to sources of help for newbies, as well as a
- directory of resources for developing and/or accessing arts and
- humanities content on the Internet.
-
- Members felt it important that the FAQ should go beyond the
- traditional document format by incorporating examples that use
- recently developed multi-media applications like Hot JAVA, Real
- Audio, etc. This could include establishing a Web site in conjunction
- with the FAQ similar to the creative format and approach of Wired
- magazine's site.
-
- Members suggested that the Introduction should basically define the
- context of the information contained in the FAQ related to both
- technological and content considerations for the arts and humanities
- (including a definition of what areas are included in the arts and
- humanities). The following statement was drafted: "The purpose of
- this is to provide users (or technologically unenlightened) members of
- the arts and humanities communities with an introduction and
- orientation to the Internet as a valuable tool, resource, and medium for
- the creation, presentation, and/or preservation of arts and humanities-
- based content."
-
- The FAQ should address such questions as: What is the Internet? How
- can the Internet be used as a tool and resource by and in support of the
- arts and humanities communities? How will this technology impact
- public participation and perception regarding the arts and humanities?
-
- Members recommended that the section on Functions of the Internet
- should be kept basic and include examples. This would include pointers
- to additional information, such as: Internet providers, computer
- software and hardware tools, display forums, discussion forums,
- resources, and sources for training and technical assistance.
-
- The section on Arts and Humanities Knowledge Representation,
- Storage, and Retrieval should be combined with the Creation and
- Presentation of Artistic and Literary Work -- to focus on two key areas:
- 1) examples of a wide range of arts and humanities based content, and 2)
- examples of various platforms and applications (including potential
- applications like Hot JAVA, Real Audio, etc.).
-
- The Issues and Challenges section should include a primary focus on 1)
- copyright and intellectual property rights (from a U.S. point of view),
- 2) issues surrounding unions and related clearances, 3) viruses, 4)
- marketing and "doing business" issues (e.g. ticketing -
- encryption/security concerns), and freedom of expression issues (i.e.
- having to do with typical "artistic license" issues related to
- obscenity/morality definitions, etc.).
-
- Members recommended an additional section of pointers to Resources
- should also be added (similar to the ISN FAQ format).
-
- Finally, members discussed next steps and determined that first
- priority should be given to refining and expanding the FAQ outline. A
- revised version will be distributed with request for feedback via the
- HARTS list. They also felt it would not be necessary to formally survey
- the arts and humanities community, but to send future versions of the
- document for review by appropriate individuals who are identified by
- HARTS members.
-