1. Northwest Digital Archives (NWDA) Jodi Allison-Bunnell NWDA Program Manager

2. Regional consortium: Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Alaska Provides enhanced access to archival and manuscript materials Union database of Encoded Archival Description (EAD) finding aids and associated digital content. Brings together academic (public and private), state, historical societies, and municipal archives. What is NWDA?

3. Arts & Humanities Business, Industry & Labor City & Town Life Colleges & Universities Environment & Natural Resources Ethnic and Religious Groups Government & Politics Home & Family Native Americans Pioneers Sexuality …and more! Some Research Topics From NWDA Finding Aids

4. Why archives and special collections matter Broad research audience Unique collections MARC records vs. finding aids MARC records: format integration Finding aids: MARC record plus Making a Difference for Researchers

18. Members can do accomplish what they can’t do alone Technical Training Administrative Electronic search increases details available Collection exposure Cross-searchCross-search Google exposureGoogle exposure What NWDA Makes Possible

21. Funded by: –National Endowment for the Humanities (OSU) –National Historical Publications and Records Commission (Whitworth College) 19 institutions Phase II grant, 2005-2007

22. Membership growthMembership growth Training program developedTraining program developed Growth of databaseGrowth of database SustainabilitySustainability Usability testingUsability testing Website/search interface/technicalWebsite/search interface/technical DisseminationDissemination Grant Activities

23. July 2005: 2535 finding aidsJuly 2005: 2535 finding aids July 2007: 4528 finding aidsJuly 2007: 4528 finding aids Goal for Phase II: 4279 finding aidsGoal for Phase II: 4279 finding aids Growth of Database

24. Long-term planning with Advisory BoardLong-term planning with Advisory Board Becoming a program of the AllianceBecoming a program of the Alliance Membership feesMembership fees Strong communications with other regionals, RLG/OCLCStrong communications with other regionals, RLG/OCLC –Future of online finding aids –Data harvest/exchange –Interchange of finding aids, digital content Sustainability

25. Three rounds of testingThree rounds of testing Start with Nielsen’s principlesStart with Nielsen’s principles Section 508 on accessibilitySection 508 on accessibility Script preparation, in-person, full transcriptsScript preparation, in-person, full transcripts Usability Testing

27. Usability Testing Results Real feedback from two major research populations Helping site become more user-focused Major positive impact

28. Website/Search Interface/Technical Making site more user-focused Improving search capabilities –Responding to UT feedback Google exposure Stylesheet presentation Digital content

34. Directions for FY08 Establish Committee, Steering Team New cost distribution model for FY09+ Investigate new tools Digital future Continue state, regional, national conversations