Search Sites/Directory:
- Why isn't there a printed directory?
The data in a printed directory becomes obsolete the moment it gets exported from EDIR, as individuals and department administrators are making constant updates to directory information. Also, the directory is quite expensive to print, in terms of both staff time (more than 300 hours) and printing cost (more than $10,000), and 5,000 copies of a 96-page booklet is a LOT of wasted paper, 1.5 tons or 38 trees to be exact (each year directories get tossed or recycled once the new one is done). The money saved on printing the directory will go towards EDIR improvements and other technology infrastructure.
- What sections of the directory are included in the PDFs?
Administration, classified, employees by department and individuals (most emeriti are included in the individuals section; we are working on completing their information in EDIR). The academic calendar, table of contents, campus map and zipcode list is not included. The PDFs are updated at the beginning of the fall and spring semesters so you’ll have more accurate information than the printed directory, although EDIR will remain your most up-to-date source of information.
- How often are the online PDFs updated?
The PDFs are updated at the beginning of the fall and spring semesters, in Jan/Feb and Sept/Oct. Update requests are sent out about a month prior for each update using the same process as in past years.
- Are there any EDIR improvements on the horizon?
OIT is working on making EDIR more user-friendly both in search capability and updating data. We’ve worked with OIT to identify some priorities: a UAF-specific department drop-down list (with relevant hierarchies; e.g. Journalism Department is in the College of Liberal Arts); faster response time when querying; easier email updates; and showing individuals’ phone numbers/emails with their names in the department “listing with people.”
A handy EDIR tool for use in Google mail or calendar is the EDIR search gadget. See www.alaska.edu/google/gadgets/ for more information and to set it up.
- What about crisis communication?
We recommend building coordinators and crisis communicators keep a printed copy of the pages they anticipate needing during a crisis.