The sum of the information held constitutes a database that can be electronically searched for references to specific topics or types of data. The Promise of Electronic Information Handling Information in electronic form is collected from a wide variety of sources. Publishers in Israel and abroad provide lists of forthcoming books and contents of journals as they are made ready for print. Dissertations in progress, conference schedules and calls for papers indicate current directions and new trends in research. Enhancing Scholarly Interchange He'Asif has assisted at the World Union of Jewish Studies Congress, summarized events such as the recent Colloquium on Hebraica Resources in Europe, and will be involved in the European AJS Rashi conference, as well as upcoming conferences of Judaica Librarians and Judeo-Linguists.
Assistance begins well in advance of the conferences by posting schedules, offering rapid contact.
Entire lectures can be pre-posted for comment and discussion, enabling listeners to come better informed and prepared, and allowing for more integrated presentations. Interdisciplinary Cooperation He'Asif's expanding readership interacts collectively with developments outside the world of Judaic Studies. The size and influence of the participating members can be used to guide and suggest further developments in these areas. The cumulative effect of our activities is to build an infrastructure which allows for an integrated, responsive academic community of Judaic Studies.