IHBC Yearbook 2010

r e v i e w 19 multilayer form and would be tedious to update without a database behind the scenes. Databases also manage the various web forms and keep a record of input in a safe and secure place; crucial for the online booking of the annual schools and submissions to the Gus Astley Student Awards. Much of the difficulty with a database is designing it correctly in the first place and then getting the web pages to communicate with it. Such a challenge was presented by the Technical Bibliography (www. ihbc.org.uk/tech_panel). This is an invaluable resource, with around 100 publications listed by the IHBC Technical Panel. Each is categorised according to materials, building type etc, and listed with publication details and a synopsis. With so many publications, simply browsing the list would be time-consuming and tedious. The challenge was to present the list grouped under subject headings and searchable by search ‘strings’, such as material, geographical region, author or date of publication. Initially, Peter attempted to save time by utilising a proprietary database system but this was just not quite right, so he started again and designed it from the ground up. The result is an extremely useful resource which is easy to use and manage, complementing the Context online archive (www.ihbc. org.uk/context_archive.htm). Another development that employs a searchable database is HESPR (www.ihbc.org.uk/hespr). This is the recognition and promotional service for companies operating in any area of historic environment conservation which adopt IHBC membership as a standard for quality control. Here again, the skills and services required can be sought by using the underlying database. More is to follow. Resources like Bob Kindred’s Listed Building Prosecutions Database (www.ihbc. org.uk/prosecutions.htm), which has been available online since Christmas 2009, will become a searchable database in the future. An engineer by training, Peter Badcock sees parallels between engineering and website technology: ‘When I worked as a conservation engineer for English Heritage I used to say that no one would see my best work, if it was done properly. The same is true of website development where advanced functions, without which the site would never work, are hidden from the users’ view’. This is just a brief summary of some of the resources you will find at www.ihbc.org.uk. The site is expanding all the time and whether you are looking for conservation news or a new job, commenting on a consultation, keeping your CPD up to date, or discovering the benefits membership can bring, the website of the IHBC, the Home of the Conservation Professional, is the place to be. Peter Badcock BSc, CEng, MICE, GradDipl(AA), IHBC worked in conservation engineering for 30 years before becoming the IHBC’s ICT consultant. Having developed the original website over ten years ago, Peter now deals with the technical aspects of the site, the Context archive, information for the annual school and liaison with the branches among other areas. Joanna Theobald BA(Hons) gained experience in the commercial world and education before becoming the IHBC’s website administrator, a role that has grown as the website has expanded. Joanna deals with the day to day management of the site, updating the jobs, events and newsblog pages, building links with other organisations, and ensuring the website meets the needs of visitors. She has now also assumed Devon’s role of maintaining the membership database. In addition to the IHBC website, Peter and Joanna have created and manage other sites in the conservation and built environment sectors. Context online archive (www.ihbc.org.uk/context_archive.htm): this vast and invaluable resource can be navigated quickly and efficiently thanks to the expanding menus. The simplicity of the layout reflects a well engineered delivery mechanism, with databases driving both the navigation menus and the content. Peter Badcock, the IHBC’s IT manager, designed the website and organises its data.

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