A number of these outputs have already been discussed in earlier sections of this prospectus. At this juncture more details can be elaborated concerning dissemination through the database, the programme website, and the book series.

 

The BGD database is compiled and maintained by the programme officer. Entries are obtained from the convening group, from workshop participants, and from self-registration on the programme website. From these various sources it will be possible to accumulate a list of several thousand interested persons from academic, business, civil society, media, official, and youth circles. (At the present early stage the list has 1000 entries with a 40/60 split between practitioners and researchers.) These correspondents will be sent a periodic html newsletter with notices inter alia of the launch of the BGD website, workshop programmes, the posting of policy briefs and chapter abstracts, newly available annual reports, the publication of books and articles, and forthcoming public presentations of BGD results. The database will therefore be a major tool to reach programme audiences. At the same time it will be a large and broad compilation of researchers and practitioners with interests in building global democracy.

 

Crucially as well, the BGD programme has its own designated website: www.buildingglobaldemocracy.org. The site content includes information about the overall programme (prospectus, convener biographies, annual report, contact details), information about the various projects (descriptions, participants, workshop programmes and reports, outputs), a newsroom (latest and forthcoming events, press releases), and online publications (paper abstracts, policy briefs, framing chapters from the books). The BGD site also has primary links to the websites of the home institutions of the ten conveners and secondary links to the websites of other relevant centres and programmes. In its general operation the site reflects the spirit of the programme with its emphasis on diversity, academic-practitioner interface and empowerment. It has multilingual content covering the home page, general programme information, project descriptions, paper abstracts and policy briefs. Significant attention is given to accessibility, both for the visually impaired and for visitors on low bandwidths. Although the site has some provision for interactivity (e.g., a feedback page, a registration page), it will mainly serve informational purposes

 

As for the book series, given the intended audiences it will be important to have accessible language, avoid technical charts and diagrams, and limit referencing. It is intended that the volumes should definitely appear in paperback and optionally in hardback. An electronic version of the books could also be desirable, as could open access online publication of, say, the framing chapter of each volume. Possibly some or all of the books could be accompanied by a CD with film footage related to cases examined in the volume and/or interviews with practitioner discussants at the relevant project workshop. The books need to be designed and marketed to reach academics (researchers and students) as well as practitioners (official and activist circles). It would be desirable to have differential prices for libraries and individuals, for the global north and the global south, and for electronic and hardcopy versions. Royalties could be foregone in order to reduce some sale prices and/or to provide free copies to resource-strapped libraries. A dedicated web page for the series on the publisher’s website will help with publicity. It is crucial that the contract with the main publisher makes liberal provisions regarding prospective translations of the books.