CURRENT MEETING REPORT Minutes of the Humanities and Arts Working Group (harts) Reported by Scott Stoner, Artsedge Scott Stoner, HARTS Working Group Co-Chair, asked individuals in attendance to introduce themselves and their interests regarding the arts and humanities. He then outlined the agenda and goals of the meeting and referenced the recently completed ISN FAQ as a potential model for developing the HARTS FAQ. Initial discussion focused on refining the FAQ draft outline (a revised version of that was circulated to HARTS members earlier via the HARTS listserv). Members determined that the FAQ should respond to two primary objectives: 1) inform members of the arts and humanities communities about the range of functions and capabilities in conjunction with arts and humanities content and interests, and 2) motivate them, as potential users, to seek training and resources necessary to become active participants on the Internet. Members also emphasized that this would not be a "how-to" document but would otherwise point to sources of help for newbies, as well as a directory of resources for developing and/or accessing arts and humanities content on the Internet. Members felt it important that the FAQ should go beyond the traditional document format by incorporating examples that use recently developed multi-media applications like Hot JAVA, Real Audio, etc. This could include establishing a Web site in conjunction with the FAQ similar to the creative format and approach of Wired magazine's site. Members suggested that the Introduction should basically define the context of the information contained in the FAQ related to both technological and content considerations for the arts and humanities (including a definition of what areas are included in the arts and humanities). The following statement was drafted: "The purpose of this is to provide users (or technologically unenlightened) members of the arts and humanities communities with an introduction and orientation to the Internet as a valuable tool, resource, and medium for the creation, presentation, and/or preservation of arts and humanities- based content." The FAQ should address such questions as: What is the Internet? How can the Internet be used as a tool and resource by and in support of the arts and humanities communities? How will this technology impact public participation and perception regarding the arts and humanities? Members recommended that the section on Functions of the Internet should be kept basic and include examples. This would include pointers to additional information, such as: Internet providers, computer software and hardware tools, display forums, discussion forums, resources, and sources for training and technical assistance. The section on Arts and Humanities Knowledge Representation, Storage, and Retrieval should be combined with the Creation and Presentation of Artistic and Literary Work -- to focus on two key areas: 1) examples of a wide range of arts and humanities based content, and 2) examples of various platforms and applications (including potential applications like Hot JAVA, Real Audio, etc.). The Issues and Challenges section should include a primary focus on 1) copyright and intellectual property rights (from a U.S. point of view), 2) issues surrounding unions and related clearances, 3) viruses, 4) marketing and "doing business" issues (e.g. ticketing - encryption/security concerns), and freedom of expression issues (i.e. having to do with typical "artistic license" issues related to obscenity/morality definitions, etc.). Members recommended an additional section of pointers to Resources should also be added (similar to the ISN FAQ format). Finally, members discussed next steps and determined that first priority should be given to refining and expanding the FAQ outline. A revised version will be distributed with request for feedback via the HARTS list. They also felt it would not be necessary to formally survey the arts and humanities community, but to send future versions of the document for review by appropriate individuals who are identified by HARTS members.