The Use and Functionality of the Environmental Data Registry: An Evaluation of User Feedback

摘要

The Environmental Data Registry (EDR) is a cornerstone of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's efforts to manage and integrate environmental information for the purposes of safeguarding human health and protecting the environment. In order to gain an understanding of how the EDR can better support its intended audience, EPA hosted a user conference in January 2002. We developed and distributed a questionnaire to the conference attendees, and gathered their input regarding the use and functionality of the EDR. Nineteen of the fifty attendees provided feedback on EDR services and products, and efficiency of information retrieval. Survey results identified difficulties these participants encountered while searching for information, as well as the utility of the information they retrieved. Participants also provided suggestions for existing and additional services. This paper is a first of its kind assessment of the use and functionality of an active metadata registry system based on the views of its users.