This two-year project (extended for a third year into 2001) has created a digital geospatial and numeric data clearinghouse for the state of Idaho.  It was made possible by a 1999 Congressional Appropriated National Leadership grant awarded to the University of Idaho Library by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. An additional 1999 FGDC "Don't Duck Metadata" grant provided by the US Geological Survey made the creation of FGDC compliant metadata possible.

This project hopes to achieve enduring information environments for research and learning, to increase the use of public domain government information by providing easier access, and to improve public knowledge of the new accessibility to resources within INSIDE Idaho.  The project is a cooperative effort between the University of Idaho and many Idaho State agencies as well as Federal agencies and local communities.

In addition to the creation of the digital data library, computer workstations have been provided to the Idaho State, Boise State, and Lewis and Clark State College libraries.  An ongoing program of workshops have been conducted to train librarians to facilitate access to the data.

You can get a few more details about the INSIDE Idaho project by clicking here.