NIH Web Authors Group (WAG)

The mission of the NIH Web Authors Group is to provide a forum for the exchange of information and ideas among Web developers working at the NIH. Communication is fostered by meetings, electronic newsletters, and listserv announcements, including guidance on policy and best practices.

Government and contract employees working at any Institute, Center, or Office of the NIH who are responsible for the development and/or maintenance of an NIH Web site are welcome to join the WAG and to attend WAG-sponsored events and activities.

Current members list

To join the WAG, please contact:

Dennis Rodrigues
Chief, Online Information Branch
Office of the Director, NIH

The NIH Web Authors Group began in September of 1995, as the result of a suggestion made by Ms. Kathy Kranzfelder (NIDDK), who recognized the need for a forum to share information among NIH Web developers. At that time, most Institutes were developing the first generation of their Web sites. The staff who were responsible for these new sites often operated in an isolated fashion, without an opportunity to confer with others doing the same thing. Kranzfelder then met with Dennis Rodrigues (OD), who concurred with the concept for such a group and agreed to help organize a Web Authors Group (WAG).

Kathy and Dennis were then joined by Patricia Blessing (NIDCD), Laura Vazquez (OD), and Toni Dove (NIDDK), who helped orchestrate the first meeting and identify those at NIH who were developing Web sites. The first meeting was originally planned for November 20, 1995, but was rescheduled for February 28, 1996, due to snow.

The group was formed to exchange ideas, relay problems, cite successes, and explore options for on-going Web development projects. The group focuses on content, design, and policy issues.

Over several years, the WAG has served as forum for many interesting presentations including: overviews of new NIH sites, policy issues affecting NIH sites, information on usability techniques, and updates on Web searching and the NIH search engine.

A Listserv was established in October of 1996 to support the group and its activities; this WAG Web site was launched in July of 1999 to provide additional support.