Searchable Online Database of Experts Debuts

Reporters interested in finding faculty experts at the University of Maryland have a new tool to help them find exactly what they're looking for. University Communications has compiled an online experts database that is searchable by keyword, department or even by language skills. The database is also searchable by subjects broken down into categories that range from agriculture to social sciences.

"Our online database of Maryland faculty and staff experts is a great way for reporters to find exactly the person they're looking for quickly and easily," says Millree Williams, director of University Communications.

The online database can be found at http://www.newsdesk.umd.edu/experts.

Hot Topic Lists

Along with the database, reporters will also find faculty expert lists based on the "Hot Topics" of the day. Williams says these lists, which bring together faculty expertise from all over campus on a specific subject, can be compiled quickly and help provide focus when deadlines are nearing. "We want to empower the media to get the interviews they need quickly and easily," says Williams. "The searchable online database, combined with our 'Hot Topics' lists, makes that possible." Media are welcome to contact Maryland's faculty and staff experts directly.

RSS Newsdesk Feeds

Reporters and others interested in keeping track of what's going on at the University of Maryland can also subscribe to RSS feeds, that cover all media releases or by a specific category (Culture, Science and Technology, Social Issues, Undergraduate Experience or University Initiatives). RSS feeds are a quick and easy way to stay up-to-date on what's happening at the university from any platform's browser or RSS reader. For more information about how to sign up for RSS feeds, go to http://www.newsdesk.umd.edu and click on the "RSS" icon at the bottom of the page. Coming soon: A Newsdesk Widget for Macintosh users.

TV Studio and ISDN Line

Hornbake Library at the University of Maryland. Click on the picture for a Google (tm) map.

Williams says University Communications also has a TV studio media can use for sit-down interviews with Maryland faculty or staff experts (bring your own equipment), as well as ISDN capability (Musicam Roadrunner) for broadcast-quality radio interviews. The studio is available at no cost when using Maryland experts and can be rented at reasonable rates for non-university interviews. Other campus locations are available by request. Please contact University Communications for more information at 301-405-4621.

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Searchable Online Database of Maryland Experts
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