Center for Transportation Research and Education Iowa State University

1
Center for Transportation Research and
EducationIowa State University

• Stephen J. Andrle
• Director

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University Center Roles

• Producer of Research
• Consumer of Information
• Distributor and Synthesizer of Information for
  others

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CTRE Methods of Information Dissemination

• Traditional reports searchable website
• LTAP Newsletter 6 issues/year
• Targeted at County Engineers
• LTAP Library Videos
• PCC Reporter
• En Route MTC Reports
• Statewide Urban Design Specifications
• Huge undertaking
• Extensive committee involvement
• Iowa DOT Library

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Information Users

• Professionals
• Iowa DOT staff
• Iowa Highway Research Board
• County and city engineers
• Professional associates
• Construction industries
• Iowa State faculty and staff
• Professionals in other states
• Students
• Iowa State students
• Elected officials
• Iowa legislators

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Uses of Information

• Literature search phase of projects
• Professional problem solving
• Preparation of RFPs by Iowa Highway Research Board

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Problems

• Lack of awareness of sources
• TRIS,TRIS RIP, compendix
• Lack of awareness about quantum leap in web-based
  service TRIS on line, BTS
• searchability
• By topic
• By where produced
• Preference for locally-produced research
• Need for a synthesizer-- librarian!!
• Must be linked to the researcher network

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Synthesizer Resources

• LTAP librarian / LTAP staff
• RIP network
• TRB staff
• State DOT librarian and technical staff
• US DOT
• FHWA Resource Centers
• University centers and faculty
• Professional organizations
• AASHTO, ICPA, APA, etc.

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Big Frustration 1

• Product information
• Paint
• Pipe
• Concrete patch
• Raised pavement markers (plowable)
• Geotextiles
• Portable changeable message signs (PCMS)

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Available Solutions

• AASHTO NTPEP
• Partnership with states
• Safety products
• Construction materials

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Available Solutions

• Highway Innovative Technology Evaluation Center
  (HITEC)
• Highways
• Bridges
• Partnership with CERF and FHWA

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Big Frustration 2

• Cost of documents
• Who pays? Can I get a purchase order approved?
  Can I get reimbursed?
• Is this the report I want?
• Availability of expensive specialty journals

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Available Solutions

• Interlibrary loans
• Network of informed professionals
• Experience
• Knowledge management

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Organize for Success

• If you dont have time to read, you are not a
  direct consumer of research.
• You need help.