Resource Notebook Framework

Introduction

The purpose of this RFC is to present a framework for coordinating all the surveys and data gathering efforts concerned with "resource notebook" type of information.

We have obtained agreement from ARPA with the framework, which is

described below.

The scheme is designed with two purposes:

a) to avoid a proliferation of data gathering efforts, which would overwhelm the sites and persons supplying the much-needed information;

b) to give the responsibility to the NIC for coordinating the tasks associated with the resource notebook.

Two companion documents, NIC 14514 and NIC 14515 provide supplementary

information to this RFC.

NIC 14514 describes the history of the Resource Notebook from 1971 to the present.

NIC 14515 contains the questionnaire that the NIC is currently sending to server sites for data on Network Resources.

A recent RFC by John Iseli and Dave Crocker (NWG/RFC #462, NIC 14434)

also addresses the same problem area.

The proposed framework for data collection suggested by John and Dave is different from the framework outlined in this RFC.

Framework

The Network Information Center will coordinate the task of collecting, verifying, and disseminating information of a "resource notebook" nature.

a) Collecting and verifying the data.

Because of the magnitude of this task, regional data collectors would provide assistance both to the NIC and to the sites supplying the information.

We think that initially there should be five regions: Boston, Washington DC, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Mid- Continent.

The regional agent would collect the information from the sites in their region and forward it to NIC for inclusion in the Resource Notebook data base.

The NIC would work closely with the regional agents to ensure that the data is accurate and up-to-date.

b) Disseminating data.

There is presently a need to prepare different subsets or "views" of the resource notebook information.

Regardless of which groups on the Network are given responsibility for preparing different views of the complete resource notebook data base, these views should be available for use on-line as the NIC as well as off-line.

A working group of persons interested in the needs and problems of a resource notebook would meet periodically to review the situation, and to make concrete proposals for improvements.

Discussion

We welcome discussion on this RFC.

I you think it is desirable, a meeting could be held at SRI-ARC to

discuss the whole problem area.

If a meeting is desirable, we suggest it be held soon, say on Monday March 19, 1973, at 8:30 AM in the SRI-ARC Conference Room.

Please let us have your comments by March 9.

You may contact us at (415) 326-6200, ext 3617, care of Mlke Kudlick.

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