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Implementing Transportation Knowledge Networks (NCHRP 20-75)

Overview | FAQ

NCHRP 20-75 FAQ’s

How did NCHRP Project 20-75 come about?

In 2005, the AASHTO Standing Committee on Research (SCOR) asked TRB to develop a future strategy for managing and providing information resources related to transportation. This request was initiated out of a concern about transportation library downsizing and closures, and with the recognition that current technologies provide new opportunities for a fresh approach to information access. TRB enlisted a panel of well-respected transportation research and information management leaders with the task of meeting the AASHTO SCOR request. “The Committee for a Future Strategy for Transportation Information Management” published its findings and recommendations in January 2006 as TRB Special Report 284, Transportation Knowledge Networks: A Management Strategy for the 21st Century. NCHRP Project 20-75 was initiated to develop a business plan for implementation of the recommendations of Special Report 284.

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What is the scope of NCHRP Project 20-75

The project has two phases. In phase one, a business plan for TKN implementation will be created, based on input solicited from a broad set of stakeholder groups. A set of product and service concepts for TKNs will be developed, along with an outreach plan to build support for TKNs. In phase two, mock-ups of the product and service concepts will be prepared, and outreach activities will be carried out. The final report for the project will include the business plan, documentation of the outreach activities, and recommended next steps.

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When will NCHRP 20-75 be completed?

The project is scheduled for completion by October 2008.

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What is a Transportation Knowledge Network (TKN)?

A Transportation Knowledge Network (or TKN) is a new model for sharing transportation knowledge across federal, state, local and regional transportation agencies; private transportation providers; academic, technology transfer, and research institutions; associations and the engineering/consulting community. As currently conceived, TKNs are regional in nature, though a national TKN made up of federal agencies is also envisioned. TKN members share information resources and collectively plan and pursue development of products and services that provide reliable and convenient access to quality information.

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What would motivate an organization to join a TKN?

Many things—getting access to a richer pool of information; the ability to combine resources with partner organizations and provide better information products and services to employees; the opportunity to build stronger personal networks with peers at other organizations; demonstrating support for a cost-effective approach to knowledge sharing across the transportation community.

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Are there any TKNs currently in operation?

Yes. The Midwest Transportation Knowledge Network (MTKN) was started in 2001, as a pilot program of the National Transportation Library. MTKN is currently an independent non-profit organization, with membership in AASHTO Region III—from nine state DOT’s, three Universities and one private company. Its mission is to “increase collaboration among the region's transportation libraries and information centers so managers, engineers and planners are better able to find and apply the most recent, credible, and validated technical information to their current projects.”  MTKN members agree to contribute information about their holdings to a union catalog (through OCLC), and are strongly encouraged to make their holdings available to network members through interlibrary loans.  MTKN has developed training materials for accessing transportation information, and has actively worked to strengthen transportation libraries within its network.

How does this project relate to the Transportation Library Connectivity Pooled Fund Study?

The Transportation Library Connectivity Pooled Fund Study (PFS) is a grass roots effort to move forward with implementation of a national transportation technology transfer program for information and knowledge management. It was initiated in 2005 by Wisconsin DOT, and involves 10 state DOT’s (three of which are also in the MTKN) and the Midwest Regional University Transportation Center (MRUTC). This project is providing member agencies with technical assistance (e.g. for cataloguing materials into WorldCat/TLCat), and a network for sharing best practices and resources. It is also conducting marketing and outreach to expand participation, and to communicate the value of transportation libraries and other specialty collections. With the reduction in funding for the NTL, the pooled fund approach has provided a valuable mechanism for sustaining and expanding information sharing efforts across transportation libraries.

NCHRP Project 20-75 will build upon the rich base of experience provided by the current TKNs, the NTL and the PFS to develop a business plan for expanding the scope and coverage of TKNs, and providing a stable base of support. 

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Will funding be provided to help additional TKNs get started?

Ideally, federal seed funds would be available for this purpose. However, the current funding for the Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA) and the National Transportation Library (NTL) is extremely limited and new federal funds will not be available prior to the surface transportation reauthorization in 2010. The Transportation Library Connectivity Pooled Fund Study (PFS) has proved to be a viable short-term option for supporting participation in TLCat, and for expanding TKNs. The business plan to be produced by NCHRP Project 20-75 will explore additional short term options to maintain momentum for TKNs, as well as longer term funding options.

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What is the role of the National Transportation Library?

TRB Special Report 284 recommended that the National Transportation Library’s resources be expanded to enable NTL to provide leadership (policy, guidance, coordination), national infrastructure for information sharing (e.g., technology, standards, and protocols), and seed grants and technical assistance to the regional and federal TKNs.

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How can I find out more about this project, or provide suggestions?

Project contact information is listed below. Please direct suggestions for the TKN business plan to Frances Harrison, Principal Investigator.

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