World Wide Web Publication

ODP/TAMU recognizes the rising importance of the World Wide Web (WWW) as a new and important mode of scientific publication. The scientific publishing community, primarily led by the Astronomical Society and AGU, is forging ahead on creating methods and formats for developing formal electronic publications. ODP/TAMU currently uses the WWW as a platform for publishing informal publications, including Preliminary Reports, Scientific Prospectuses, and Semiannual Reports. The ODP community is also using the WWW as an information exchange platform. Many of the JOIDES panels have requested that ODP/TAMU establish WWW pages as an economical means of sharing and distributing information. A homepage is being prepared for the IHP at the present time.

ODP/TAMU currently has over 200 pages of material on the WWW. In the Publications Department alone, the volume of information is expected to grow exponentially in the upcoming year. The scientific community continues to request that more information be made available on the WWW. For example, recent requests include publishing the indexes from every Scientific Results volume; the tables of contents from all Initial Reports and Scientific Results volumes; the edited cumulative bibliography created by the Publications Department (over 800 pages); a list of ODP-related publications from Curatorial Services; and the abstracts from all Scientific Results papers.

Looking toward the future, the PCOM Subcommittee for Publications has recommended that ODP/TAMU investigate the feasibility of distributing volumes on the WWW as soon as possible. Plans are also in the works for JANUS databases to be available through the ODP/TAMU web site as well. Another potential major effort is the establishment and maintenance of web pages for each of the JOIDES panels. Additional support will be required to provide a list server and a list server archive.

To maintain this large mass of information in a comprehensive, professional, and up-to-date format, ODP/TAMU recommends the establishment of a World Wide Web group that would be responsible for the design, editing, formatting, and maintenance of information and links associated with the ODP/TAMU web site. The tasks that need to be completed are outlined below:

• Investigate the best way to publish on the WWW.
• Study web design techniques to determine the best options for ODP/TAMU.
• Find the best tools for creating web pages. (HTML formatting software is continually changing.)
• Establish design standards (style, layout, hyperlink formats, etc.) and create a style guide for other ODP departments to follow. It is important to create a uniform style and layout for all ODP/TAMU pages. Much like a book, the design should be carried through every page of the ODP/TAMU web site.
• Update existing pages.
• Prepare new text and figures according to Publications Department design standards.
• Convert files to HTML format.
• Determine where new information should be placed within the ODP/TAMU web structure.
• Review all new text and figures. For example, does new material meet established standards? Is the content appropriate? Do the text and figures need editing?
• Define where links should be set.
• Supervise maintenance of the server.
• Proof pages/links before posting on WWW.
• Check all homepage links once a month.
• Check WWW content weekly and notify department contacts when revised information is due or overdue.
• Track usage.

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