Introduction About NOS Objectives and Elements The Menu Other Features Offices Assisted Case Studies Ending NOS's Technical Assistance Program: Supporting and Empowering Program Offices

Learning Objectives Introduction About NOS Basic Elements The Menu Other Features Offices Assisted Case Studies Ending  Program offices have some, but not all, of the skills to make full use of the Web or to seize opportunities.  A dedicated support system can empower program staff to initiate bold Web projects and consider new ways of executing established plans.  A support system brings considerable economies of scale to the institution.  A support system should include all aspects of Web development.

NOS: A Decentralized Institution Introduction About NOS Basic Elements The Menu Other Features Offices Assisted Case Studies Ending  Web sites are the responsibilities of program offices.  Program offices:  have considerable latitude in Web development.  vary considerably in emphasis on Web communication.  vary considerably in staff focused on Web development.  NOS supports an integrated Web team.  Evolved informally – “knocking on the door.”

Objectives and Principles of the Program Introduction About NOS Basic Elements The Menu Other Features Offices Assisted Case Studies Ending  To provide a full support system to program offices.  To work directly with program offices in applying that system.  To build capacity in NOS program offices.

Basic Elements Introduction About NOS Basic Elements The Menu Other Features Offices Assisted Case Studies Ending  We provide the support throughout the project.  Offices:  choose what support skills and services they want.  have ownership,  provide all content and do the day-to-day work.  make all programmatic and policy decisions.  We offer counsel and opinions when appropriate.  We implement “one time” capabilities. (e.g., search engines, javascript navigation, databases)

The Focus Is People Introduction About NOS Basic Elements The Menu Other Features Offices Assisted Case Studies Ending  Training (formal and informal) is a critical element  Participating offices must commit to priority and time  Continuing interaction is encouraged  Ideas from program staff are incubated  Vision on final product --> high motivator

The Support Menu Introduction About NOS Basic Elements The Menu Other Features Offices Assisted Case Studies Ending  All aspects of site planning including outlines and storyboards  Editorial framework and policies  Professional graphics arts  Page layout and design, page templates  Advanced features (search engines, javascript, databases)  DoC and NOAA policies ‡ standard pages, footers, etc.  Photoshop and video production  Quality control  Prototype and public Web servers  Web statistics  Training in many of these capabilities  Three fully equipped visitor workstations

Flexible Support to Fit Different Needs Introduction About NOS Basic Elements The Menu Other Features Offices Assisted Case Studies Ending  Offices choose what they need from the menu.  Highest demand:  planning  servers  Other high demand areas:  graphics arts,  advanced features  Done quietly:  DoC and NOAA policies, back pages  quality control

Economies of Scale and Headache Reduction Introduction About NOS Basic Elements The Menu Other Features Offices Assisted Case Studies Ending  Takes advantage of large technology economies of scale.  Not all offices have all skills or the time to follow policies.  Centralizes specialized skills.  Tough problems for learners can be easy for specialists.  We can jump start projects and keep them moving.

Going Beyond Introduction About NOS Basic Elements The Menu Other Features Offices Assisted Case Studies Ending  Program staff can consider larger initiatives.  Projects can be undertaken that would have been dismissed.  Advanced features can be incorporated.  New techniques can be implemented.  Unified approaches can be evaluated and deployed.

The Hidden Benefit: An Active Network Introduction About NOS Basic Elements The Menu Other Features Offices Assisted Case Studies Ending  Creates a central PLACE (home) for a network  Program staff “drop by” for questions (and answers!)  A two way street --> they share new techniques with us  Always an interested ear; or two; or four; or more

Offices Assisted in Last Four Years Introduction About NOS Basic Elements The Menu Other Features Offices Assisted Case Studies Ending  Two to four projects every year:  Office of Coast Survey (Main site)  Office of Response and Restoration (Main site)  National Marine Sanctuaries (Main site, specialty site)  Nat. Estuarine Res. Reserves (Main site, specialty site)  National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (Main site)  Coral Reef Program (Main site, specialty site, Intranet site)  International Programs Office (specialty site)  Special Projects Office (specialty site)  Office of the AA (specialty site)  Currently: OCRM (specialty site)

Case Study 1. Quick Customized Planning Office of Response and Restoration Introduction About NOS Basic Elements The Menu Other Features Offices Assisted Case Studies Ending  Redesign of entire Web site  Moving to content management  Detailed planning process --> complete storyboard  Design of database for content management system  Ended with planning --> now being implemented

Case Study 2. Rotational Assignment Program Office of Coast Survey Introduction About NOS Basic Elements The Menu Other Features Offices Assisted Case Studies Ending  Six month assignment in our offices --> a place to go  Complete redesign of OCS Web site  Regular consultation with our staff  Web usage doubled in first year

Case Study 3. Specialty Work Coral Reef Program: CoRIS Glossary Introduction About NOS Basic Elements The Menu Other Features Offices Assisted Case Studies Ending  NESDIS staff responsible for glossary.  Developed database driven glossary with imagery.  Used our workstations for data entry and final deployment  Glossary expands with hundreds of new terms each quarter

We Are Always Learning Introduction About NOS Basic Elements The Menu Other Features Offices Assisted Case Studies Ending  We must incorporate TAP into our fiscal year program plan.  We will survey offices in September for intentions.  We will provide outsourcing options for certain capabilities.

What We Hope You Have Learned Introduction About NOS Basic Elements The Menu Other Features Offices Assisted Case Studies Ending  Decentralization does not have to mean “hands off”  Program offices will seek assistance, if it is unthreatening  There are economies of scale in many Web site functions  Economies of scale are greatest in specialty areas