The SHADE COST Innovators Grant kick-off meeting was held in Brussels on the 1st December to start the planning process for the future of the ARIADNE AISBL. After a quick introduction by Julian Richards, Franco Niccolucci provided a membership update and the membership fees were discussed. The aim is to keep these low since the AISBL costs are low. However, some sort of structure will be required for aggregation, especially for new data which takes time and effort to prepare. Perhaps an hourly rate would be appropriate with each new collection to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. A costing model is to be produced by ADS who have good experience with this.
There is still some unfinished aggregation of datasets and ADS are taking on the role from CNR so that the ARIADNE RI will be able to manage this in future. Some data suppliers use an API to update their data regularly and it was agreed that for data providers with the technical capability this is the way to go. This brought the discussion onto the ATRIUM project which starts in January where ARIADNE will be a test bed for more complex data types. One aim is to extend the range of data types in the Portal, e.g. audio data and 3D and to use text enhancement and extraction so that journal articles, for examples, can be linked to datasets.
One suggestion was that it would be useful to have a means of previewing the data as it would appear in the Portal after aggregation. Training for the whole process is important and not all parts of the process has been fully documented; this will be addressed. Videos would be useful as well as manuals; this will also be looked into. There are a number of potential new clients who wish to provide access to their data via ARIADNE; more news will be provided as agreements are signed.
Promotion and dissemination covered updates to the website, newsletters and cross -promotion. It was suggested that ARIADNE think in terms of membership services. In addition, it may be useful to analyse the existing data in the Portal to identify gaps and who may be able to fill these. Other exciting news is that a national workshop is being organised in Greece in Spring 2024 to encourage organisations there to open up their data.
Liaison with the European Archaeology Council is important for ARIADNE as members consist of Heritage Managers from key organisations. The current EAC Archives Working Group will publish their results in March 2024 when their annual conference is being held in Brussels, and David Novak will brief EAC members of the foundation of the AISBL.
Finally, the discussion moved onto Short Term Scientific Missions (STSMs) and Training Schools. The former should be aimed at people who need assistance with specific datasets that they wish to upload into the Portal whilst the Training Schools can focus on more general topics such as mapping and aggregation. The key people and locations will liaise to organise these for late Spring/ early Summer.