Clarification on ExpertNet

Excerpt from e-mail received on October 24, 2001 from the Florida Department of Education's Division of Colleges and Universities:

It appears that there is confusion among some directors regarding the annual reports, their purpose, and the relationship to ExpertNet.

The Institutes and Centers On-line Reporting System is separate from and serves a different function from ExpertNet, although some of the information from the on-line reporting system is shared with ExpertNet. Even we have used the names interchangeably because the Clearinghouse for Applied Research and Public Service developed both systems. The C&I On-line Reporting System is utilized by the Division of Colleges and Universities to maintain an accurate inventory and for accountability. The legislature often asks us for information on institutes and centers. Once we approve an annual report submission, some of the information automatically updates ExpertNet, in addition to residing in the C&I Online Reporting System. The C&I On-line Reporting System is password protected whereas ExpertNet is a public site open to everyone. ExpertNet offers the opportunity for directors to provide additional information (publications, staff, projects, etc.) which may be of public interest, but is not included in the online reporting system. The purpose of ExpertNet is to provide information about the expertise residing in the universities to public agencies, business and industry, etc. I hope this helps to clarify the difference and the relationship between the Institutes and Centers On-line Reporting System and ExpertNet.