Dear Colleagues,
As the plans for creating an International Virtual Histology Slide Repository take shape, we would like your input to a couple of issues we are pondering.
Currently we consider two parallel strategies for distributing large data file sets. The first distribution modus would be via the Internet from a restricted server. At the University of Michigan we successfully used this approach to transfer our 200 GB slide collection to users in Europe and the US. For countries without a reliable or with a slow Internet connection, we will use small external hard drives sent by airmail.
One of the issues we are discussing is how to keep the repository financially sustainable, even when the grant money is used up. We feel very strongly that the donated material must be distributed for free. However, a charge to cover the cost of distribution might be a possibility for keeping the repository account in the black for a longer time. If the repository is supported by an AAA Innovation grant, AAA members should have free access without paying any fees. Similarly, institutions from developing countries should be able to apply for a waiver. We would appreciate your opinion whether a reasonable fee (a couple of hundred dollars?) should be considered? How much would be a reasonable fee? Obviously, the fee structure would need to be reconsidered periodically to match it with the expenses incurred.
Please post your opinions and advice on the DHIG.
Thank you
Michael
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Michael Hortsch
Associate Professor
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor MI
734-647 2720
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