 Single Source Publishing Case Studies
Case Study One: Rural Law Online
Inspired by the needs of the Victorian Law Foundation (VLF) who were seeking a better way of updating and editing their Rural Law Handbook, CeCC set about designing a tool to simplify the process and bring the Handbook to a wider audience - online.
Docbook Manager was created, with Rural Law Online 'first off the press'.
Following the initial transfer of the existing hard-copy handbook into the CeCC system, the Rural Law Handbook can now be easily updated and re-published at any time, and in several formats, including a highly successful website. The spontaneous and accessible nature of the world wide web has seen Rural Law Online overtake its printed counterpart.
Updating a 'single source' for multiple production formats offers excellent efficiency. In the case of Rural Law Online, content may be directly updated 'off-site' by specialists in particular areas of law from across Australia, or in draft form for further review. "The law changes frequently and there is a need to be responsive to emerging legal issues arising for rural communities and industry", explains Richard Coverdale, Website Manager of Rural Law Online. "Docbook Manager offered us a flexible and inexpensive content updating process".
More than twenty lawyers currently contribute to updating Rural Law Online content on a pro bono basis. "The built-in safeguards, including access protocols and archiving, ensure adequate control, reporting and tracking of all content," reveals Richard.
With any project, CeCC aim to add value by exploring innovative uses of their tools. In this case, certain information was 'tagged' to allow the generation of a case by case 'glossary of legislation', and a 'find a service' directory, as well as assisting search engine optimization. This gathering of like information has potential for a suite of uses.
In addition to the DocBook Manager system, CeCC has facilitated a secure environment for online forums aimed at improving the engagement and interaction of online users.
Richard has been impressed by CeCC's commitment to rural communities. "Their blend of expertise in web technology, focus on responding to client needs and commitment to serving and engaging communities, makes for a rare and much valued combination", said Richard.
Services Delivered:
- Research to identify best approach to meet technology requirements
- Focus groups
- Usability testing and evaluation support
- Comprehensive usage reporting and statistics
- Ongoing support and development
- Assistance in preparing and presenting funding proposals
CeCC Products Utilised:
- CeCC Docbook Manager
- CeCC Content Management System
- CeCC web design and build
- CeCC secure hosting
- CeCC training
- Ongoing CeCC support
Case Study Two: Fitzroy Legal Services
Following the success of the Victorian Law Foundation's (VLF) Rural Law Online project, CeCC worked closely with Fitzroy Legal Services (FLS) to develop an implementation plan for bringing their annual tome, the Law Handbook, into an online context.
The Law Handbook is designed to inform people about both Victorian State and Commonwealth law. CeCC was proactive in engaging with FLS, who recognised the importance of improving the processes associated with the production of the Law Handbook.
The initial impetus for adopting the DocBook Manager system for the hard-copy Handbook was to help distribute workload, steer efficiencies, and offer reporting opportunities as the editing process progressed. However, following extensive research and consultation with key stakeholders, the interactive and accessibility capabilities of the web made an online presence a natural progression.
Now, anyone can access the Law Handbook Online via a specialist subscription system. "CeCC have built a secure subscriber system that will take annual fees, generate usernames and allocate passwords as part of their brief," Simon Roberts, Communications/Publications Officer with FLS explains. The ease in which users can navigate between chapters, glossaries, legislation and cases is an efficiency boon for professionals pressed for time. "More than a third of our subscribers are in the legal profession," explains Simon, "with the remainder a diverse mix of government and not-for-profit organisations, including individual consumers".
CeCC conducted research into the aspirations of these subscribers to inform their plan for FLS and the Law Handbook, while considering the needs of this not-for-profit organisation, and ensuring their funding stream wasn't compromised by the move to an online format.
Carmen Harbour is editor of the The Law Handbook, and its online counterpart. "The DocBook system is logical and easy to use. It's been fabulous," says Carmen who manages the input of more than seventy contributors. While some of these people update their contributions online, the system also allows Carmen to export particular chapters as MS Word files so they can work offline... ideal for those who are more confident with traditional editing processes. This highlights the flexibility of DocBook Manager.
Carmen has found the process to be an organic one, punctuated by enthusiastic support from CeCC. "As the project progressed, we identified some issues arising from the complex nature of a legal database," says Carmen, "but CeCC have always been on hand with a quick response and elegant working improvements. I've been really happy."
As a sign of FLS confidence, many of FLS's web-based projects, including internet and intranet sites, are underpinned by CeCC tools and support. Executive Officer, Robin Inglis, has no hesitation in recommending CeCC. "All the systems CeCC have developed for us have made the job of publishing and updating our resources extremely easy and cost effective. (CeCC are) a thoroughly professional service provider and dedicated collaborator".
Services Delivered:
- Research to identify best approach to meet client's requirements
- Focus groups
- Usability testing and evaluation support
- Comprehensive usage reporting and statistics
- Ongoing support and development
CeCC Products Utilised:
- CeCC Docbook Manager
- CeCC Content Management System
- CeCC web design and build
- CeCC secure hosting
- CeCC training
- Ongoing CeCC support
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