CAIN: Introduction to the CAIN Web Site

CAIN Web Service

Introduction to the CAIN Web Site

[CAIN_HOME]
[Key_Events] Key_Issues] [Conflict_Background]
HOME: [Introduction] [Index] [Sitemap] [Recent_Additions] [Contributors] [Associated_Sites] [Search] [Email] [Comments] [Commendations] [Access_Stats] [Software] [Funding] [Contact]

Text: Martin Melaugh

Introduction

CAIN (Conflict Archive on the INternet) is an Internet site devoted to providing a wide range of information and source material on the Northern Ireland conflict from 1968 to the present. The site also contains information on politics in the region and on Northern Ireland society.

This page provides some background information on the layout and content of CAIN site and is intended for first-time users or anyone who is having problems finding information.

Near the top of each web page on the CAIN site is a 'navigation' or 'status' bar which will help you to move between the main sections and also act as a reminder of your position in the site. An example of a status bar is as follows:

[CAIN_HOME]
[Key_Events] Key_Issues] [Conflict_Background]
HOME: [Introduction] [Index] [Sitemap] [Recent_Additions] [Contributors] [Contributions] [Text_Search] [Email] [Comments] [Commendations] [Access_Statistics] [Software]

This particular status bar shows that the user is looking the [Introduction] page which is one of the pages associated with the HOME page [CAIN_HOME].
At the bottom of each page are three 'buttons' which provide access to the 'help', 'email', and 'search' facilities:

If you are unsure about the location of particular information you should consult the 'help' page which contains links to the main index page and a site map. If you are still having problems you should try the full-text search facilities, which allow you to search for particualar words or phrases across the whole site. As a last resort you could email the CAIN Project Manager (email address at the bottom of the page).

Background on the CAIN Project

CAIN - Conflict Archive on the INternet
CAIN is the acronym given to the Internet site and the Project which is developing the site.

Development of an Internet site on 'the Troubles'
The main 'product' of the CAIN Project will be the CAIN Internet site.

Target audience - Higher Education sector
The target audience was initially the Higher Education sector in the United Kingdom (UK). However the site is available free to anyone with Internet access and currently two thirds of users are from outside the UK.

Background information on the conflict
It is hoped that those who are new to the subject of the Northern Ireland conflict will find a range of information that will provide a useful introduction to the topic.

Guidance and information for researchers
It is also hoped that those who are carrying out academic research on the subject of 'the Troubles' will find the CAIN site a useful starting point.

Funding

The CAIN project recently received funding from
the University of Ulster {external_link},
CAIN is seeking additional funding for the year 2000 and beyond.

During 1998 the CAIN project received funding from:
the Department of Education for Northern Ireland (DENI), {external link} and
the Central Community Relations Unit (CCRU) {external link}.

The CAIN project was first funded, during 1996 and 1997 by:
the Electronic Libraries Programme (eLib) {external link} of the Higher Education Funding Councils.

Partners on CAIN Project

Partner Institutions
The development of the CAIN service was initially undertaken by three partner institutions:
the University of Ulster {external link},
the Queen's University of Belfast {external link}, and
the Linen Hall Library {external link}.

Other groups and individuals
A number of other groups and individuals have provided support to the Project. For example, within the University of Ulster the following groups have an input into the Project:
Centre for the Study of Conflict;
Educational Services {external link}; and
INCORE (INitiative on COnflict Resolution and Ethnicity) {external link}.

Objectives

The CAIN Project has a number of objectives:

Establish and promote a resource of use to researchers, teachers, students and librarians

Explore content, design and technical issues

Encourage those who hold relevant information to contribute to the service

Collaborate with and link to other initiatives

Key Benefits

The CAIN site will hopefully:

Improve access to information and source materials

Assist in preparation of learning materials

Reduce pressure on library resources

Encourage active learning

Promote the awareness, value and use of networked information

Trends in the topic area

There is a growing interest in:

Conflict and peace studies

Political studies, and

Irish Studies

Further Information
More particular information on the CAIN project (details of staff, list of papers, access statistics, promotional activities, etc.) can be found on the Project Background page.