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Exemplary Practices in Electronic Records and Information Access Programs



Patterns of Exemplary Practice in Electronic Access to Information

User support and services

Some of the repositories devoted substantial resources to support and assistance for users. The ICPSR conducts extensive training programs for researchers, both in research methods and data storage and preservation issues. Several of the repositories conduct regular user surveys to identify user needs and areas where support can be improved. The Zentral Archive created a user laboratory in order to facilitate access to the data resources and collaboration among their research community. The NCES provides online educational materials on its Web site, published training materials, and training courses for users. The repositories that deal with the most diverse user populations appear to have the most extensive educational and help facilities on their Web sites and in their programs. These would include the NCES, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the USDA.