Another developed a Web interface for the Digital Chart of the World dataset. Still another created a cookbook featuring a sample map, a recipe showing the software and data needed to create a similar map, and instructions on how to operate the software. The success of the Internship Course was demonstrated in the Libraries' decision to hire two of the interns to work during the summer and the Geography Department's plans to continue offering the course, thus providing the library with an ongoing pool of trained and experienced personnel who will continue developing projects and skills essential to the success of the Center. At the same time, the GIS Center staff looked toward their role as data providers. Again, the challenges were many, but they were met through partnerships.
Data acquisition is often a matter of feast or famine.
Most libraries use a fraction of the flood of electronic information that pours in through the Federal Depository Library Program. The goal of the partnership is to distribute Pennsylvania-based spatial data. These partnerships have provided the GIS Center with a trained, continuing student staff and the Geography Department with a practical, hands-on GIS course. The Center for Academic Computing provides help with hardware issues, and they are testing new file storage and transfer systems. Partnerships are not new or unique.