International Studies
The VIVO ontology provides a natural means for extension. We experienced a simple, but powerful example of ontology extension recently at the University of Florida. The VIVO team was approached by the University of Florida International Center regarding its programs and agreements – could these be represented in VIVO?
A first question might by why? Many things can be represented in VIVO, but would representing international programs and agreements help scholars and researchers discovery interesting work and potential collaborators? Clearly, the answer to this question was yes. Having international programs and agreements in VIVO would enable cross linking of programs to people, departments administering programs, and subject areas improves the ability of VIVO to support discovery.
Programs are formal offerings by UF in other countries. UF has, as of this writing, 101 international programs. Agreements are opportunities for UF students to study abroad and earn UF credit in degree programs. UF currently has 446 international agreements.
How might these programs and agreements be represented in VIVO? Nick Rejack from the UF implementation team suggested approaches to colleagues with the VIVO national ontology effort. Modeling was straightforward. A UF international agreement is a type of agreement. A UF international program is a type of program. These changes will be made to the UF VIVO, extending VIVO to support the International Center.
Is this sustainable? Who will enter and maintain the data? The International Center has agreed to enter and maintain the data. The agreements and programs are straightforward to enter by hand – there are just a few data elements for each. Most of the data entry is selecting linked people and departments and subject areas, to create the connections that generate the value for discovery. VIVO makes these processes simple.
We look forward to having the International Center data part of the UF VIVO implementation.
Implementation Fest, St. Louis, June 23-24
Response to the Implementation Fest has been strong. Twelve institutions have committed to attend. Several additional schools are likely to attend. Communication regarding the event indicates that nearly 40 schools beyond the original seven are in some phase of implementation. We learn more about these implementations every week. It’s simple math to see that if 14 schools attend the implementation fest and we started with seven, that means we are at 21 – triple the number funded by the grant.
The Implementation Fest gives us a great opportunity to learn more about who is implementing VIVO, along with the approaches they are taking.
VIVO Conference Numbers Are Strong
Early bird registration is closed as is the first call for papers. Our registration numbers are very strong. Conference registration is at 121, last year at this time we have less than 10, and at the close of early bird last year (which came later than this year) we had 45. Sponsorship is ahead of last year. Paper submissions are ahead of last year. Workshop registration is ahead of last year. We are very well positioned for a strong conference. Please continue to get the word out – we have several more deadlines over the summer. Please encourage sponsorship, registration, and ideas for presentations. Our first deadline for submissions has past, but we expect to have late breaking items, lightening talks and other opportunities for participation.
Ideas for VIVO Notes?
Is there an idea that you would like to see developed in VIVO Notes? A story, or something to share? Do you have questions or concerns that might best be presented here? Please drop me a note.
Mike Conlon 01:12, 6 June 2011 (UTC)
