The data dictionary, a template of twenty-eight information fields, was developed during this time. A listerv was established for project communication. In August of 1995, museum images and text were distributed via CDs to each university. Several weeks worth of coding and data entry were then necessary. At American University, the MESL images and text are available via the World Wide Web.
Security is maintained by select access.
Only those accounts with American University IP addresses are allowed to visit the MESL web site. As of October 1995, the database is fully operational and the search tools are being developed. As you can see, the project is in its early stages. Time constraints have necessitated changes in deadlines and the sheer monumentality of the data has proven to be somewhat daunting. At this point, however, the images and text are available on campus and faculty and students are exploring potential uses.