| Author: Aaron Hall |
The Human Genome Management Information System (HGMIS) was established in 1989 by the DOE Human Genome Program Task Group to inform scientists, policymakers, and the public about the program's research. To make Human Genome Project (HGP) data, technologies, and implications more accessible, HGMIS produces Human Genome News and a number of other information resources.
Sites for Different Audiences
HGMIS started its Web site in 1994 to house the electronic version of HGN. As interest in the genome project and Web use expanded, HGMIS added other publications, information, and links to make the site a comprehensive, text-based Web server on project-related topics. Gradually, in a shift that reflects Web trends in general, public users became predominant.
To address the growing interests of a population beginning to realize the societal impact of genetic research while continuing to meet the needs of the broad scientific community, HGMIS divided its Web site into two sections in January. One section is targeted to the general public and the other to researchers, but all users still have easy access to both sections.
The decision to split the Web site was based on an evaluation of user needs. HGMIS considered a user survey; the types of domains accessing the site; and user questions, a large number of which were from students seeking basic facts. Content and ease of access for the public and researchers were crucial considerations in the site's renovation. In addition to providing informative text, this comprehensive site about HGP also serves as a launch pad to myriad related sites.
The HGMIS site, which contains 1800 text files, has received numerous awards and has been listed by several exclusive Web rating systems. Some 2400 outside sites link to the site, whose files are accessed by about 17,000 host computers each month for about 2 million file transfers annually. HGMIS has adapted its design to accommodate as many users as possible. |
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