Transcript Increasing Data Access: Librarian as Data Broker at WisDOT

Increasing Data Access:
Librarian as Data Broker at WisDOT
John Cherney
Wisconsin Dept. of Transportation Library
AASHTO RAC TKN Task Force
Oct. 1, 2009
Why did this happen?
 Repeated customer requests for same
information.
 Frustrated researchers could not access
internal WisDOT information.
 Remnants of Data Integration efforts.
State Highway Programs Attribute Catalog
 Internal WisDOT database – Microsoft Access.
 Includes information on seven different data
systems.
 Librarian named a ‘data broker’ for this
information.
 Librarian has own copy and uses database to
answer basic questions.
State Highway Programs Attribute Catalog
home screen,
dropdown menu,
report example …
State Highway Programs Attribute Catalog
data catalog example …
Highway Structures Information System
 External WisDOT database – Oracle.
 Resides on WisDOT extranet; difficult to
navigate
 Integrates data from WisDOT and Google (for
mapping).
 Great ‘data mining’ example; contains a wealth
of information
Highway Structures Information System
home screen …
Highway Structures Information System
a few features …
Highway Structures Information System
advanced search features …
Highway Structures Information System
documents …
WisDOT Traffic Counts & Rustic Roads
 Repeated customer requests; occupied staff
time.
 Involved IT Bureau, Data Management Section,
Office of Public Affairs, Scenic Byways Coordinator
and Library.
 Library created Web sites and added meta data.
 Downloads and lack of phone calls/email
requests indicate HUGE SUCCESS!
WisDOT Traffic Counts & Rustic Roads
home pages …
WisDOT Traffic Counts
& Rustic Roads
navigation features …
WisDOT Traffic Counts & Rustic Roads
map examples …
basic, but standard metadata …
WisDOT Acronym Database
 Internal database – data entry in Microsoft
Access – connected to intranet with Oracle
 ‘Donated’ to the Library.
 Library is data steward.
Library is responsible for access and
maintenance.
WisDOT Acronym Database
Oracle connection for Web …
WisDOT Acronym Database
intranet home page …
search feature …
DOT State Measures – Missouri DOT
 Online pathfinder to transportation statistical, annual and
performance reports.
 Launched August, 2009. Collaboration space for MoDOT
analysts.
Involves librarian (A.J. Million, Missouri DOT) as a data
host/conduit as well as a provider of searching expertise.
Hosted on secure portion of MTKN Web site.
 Uses Content Management System software (Drupal) to
engage practitioners to collaborate, provide content.
DOT State Measures – Missouri DOT
home page,
data example …
Conclusion and next steps …
old extranet guide …
Create department-wide data catalog/guide
 Update Extranet User’s Guide
 Well worth the effort!!