Building a collaborative AgNIC site as an outreach model: Rangelands of the Western U.S.

Construction of the Rangelands of the Western U.S. web site provides a dynamic model for information outreach. Central to its success is the collaboration between librarians, other information professionals, and rangeland experts committed to working together for a common goal: A selective, centralized, web-based resource designed to help meet the information needs of rangeland scientists, range professionals, students, faculty, ranchers, environmentalists, librarians, and other stake-holders. Begun over eight years ago by a University of Arizona AgNIC Project team, the effort is extending to include participation of range and information professionals from the other Western states. In addition to linking to existing digital content, the project seeks to create or support the creation of critical electronic information resources through an integrated user interface.