The document proposes the DEER (Distributed European Electronic Resource) project, which would provide access to networked cultural content across Europe through distributed repositories and virtual spaces. The DEER would unite and showcase Europe's diverse cultures while being multilingual and forward-looking through its use of advanced technologies. It would serve audiences in higher education, research, and the general public. The technical requirements would include a high-bandwidth infrastructure to support the DEER's cultural content management system and user-friendly portal for multicultural access. Organizational models and funding strategies are also discussed to realize the DEER.

1. The DEER Distributed European Electronic Resource Dr Suzanne Keene University College London www.suzannekeene.info

7. The DEER components

8. DEER components DEER Content in distributed repositories Virtual Agorá Virtual Reference Room Infrastructure: the cultural GRID?

10. The Virtual Agorá Forum for learning + teaching Software tools Tailored content Virtual Forum Bulletin boards Contacts directory Translating tools On-line evaluation User input Augmented real Agorá Events noticeboard Actual events Remote participation Online publication

12. The DEER system

20. Archival store preservation Versions: Original, Preservation, Dissemination, Metadata store User access store Metadata + ontology databases Content files for delivery to users Content providers Metadata engine Application Metadata engine Presentation + delivery Discovery Delivery User request Tools for user input Offsite storage Backup Data repositories

22. Operating the DEER

23. Organisational models Central, top down (JISC) Distributed consortium (CULTIVATE) National/specialist matrix (ICOM) secretariat SC SC SC SC SC Exec. Council Specialist committees National committees

25. Financing the DEER % Deer funding requirement Time Central funding Other funding sources

26. Conclusions

28. Wildflower meadow … … to productive fruit orchard

29. Thank you! www.suzannekeene.info