ORTELIUS: Launch of a European database on higher education
The ORTELIUS database on higher education in Europe will be officially launched at a conference to be held in Florence, Italy, on 17-18 May 1996 (see RCN 5819). This new database, created in response to a European Commission call for tenders launched in 1992, aims to provide a unique and centralized source of information on higher education (including open and distance learning) in Europe. The database has been created by an Italian consortium comprising the University of Florence, the Education Documentation Library, the Olivetti computer company and the Giunti Multimedia publishing company. The project has been funded up to 50% by the European Community. The core ORTELIUS database contains information about the systems of higher education in Member States, as well as details of individual institutions, including their structure, composition and the facilities available. It also contains information about the courses and diplomas offered by institutions, and the funding opportunities available to students. In addition to this central information service, ORTELIUS has developed several complementary databases covering: - European programmes in education and training; - National higher education systems; - Inter-University Community programmes; - European Community legislation; - Bibliographic information. In order to ensure that material is as current as possible, the data collection process has been decentralized, leaving collection in the hands of individual Member States' authorities. In addition, the database material will be made available on-line, on CD-ROM, and in printed form, in order to improve the circulation of information about higher education in Europe. The ORTELIUS database, which can be accessed through the World Wide Web, will be open to all users on a trial basis until 31 October 1996. During this trial period, the database will be available, in its entirety, in English only. The intention is, however, for the database to be made available in all 11 Community languages by the official completion date of 31 October 1996. At this time, access to ORTELIUS will be restricted to subscribers only. Information on how to subscribe and subscription costs will be available on the Internet from 1 June 1996.