Starship Asterisk*

I'd like to open a new board in the Learning and Resources area to highlight some of the education and public outreach materials that are available from NASA (and perhaps other places as well). I don't like "Teacher's Lounge," which is the first thing to come to my mind. It's not really "The Classroom," though the materials certainly in many cases are intended for the classroom. I want a title that lets teachers and those doing outreach in their communities know this area is for them, or at least hints at this idea.

bystander and I have brainstormed a bit and come up with a list of possibilities, but I think something better is still out there. Here's some of our brainstorming:

Media Lab
Media Outlet/Center/Mall/Room/Resources
Media Space
Media Centre
Space Media
Travel Out of this World
The Travel Desk
Travel Desk: Book Passage to Outer Spaces
Find Passage to Worlds Unknown
Travel Desk: Send Them Soaring
Travel Desk: Send Them Out of This World
Travel Desk: Media to Send Them Soaring
Travel Media Center (or Centre)

Surely there is something better out there, but what?

How about just "Resource Center"?

(And I'd definitely go with that spelling of center, as this is an American board and it's simply the most consistent spelling to choose.)

All of those concepts are encompassed by the word Library -- which I notice is already in use. Perhaps the word can be repurposed, or perhaps the current part of the forum so titled can be rolled into this new section?

Rob

rstevenson wrote:All of those concepts are encompassed by the word Library -- which I notice is already in use. Perhaps the word can be repurposed, or perhaps the current part of the forum so titled can be rolled into this new section?

That was my first thought as well- the Library. It is actually more appropriate to a list of resources than a question-asking forum. But maybe repurposing names this way is confusing? Or maybe the confusion just goes away in a few days, and it doesn't really matter.

Then what does the current Library become? The Ship's Computer?

rstevenson wrote:All of those concepts are encompassed by the word Library -- which I notice is already in use. Perhaps the word can be repurposed, or perhaps the current part of the forum so titled can be rolled into this new section?

Chris Peterson wrote:That was my first thought as well- the Library. It is actually more appropriate to a list of resources than a question-asking forum. But maybe repurposing names this way is confusing? Or maybe the confusion just goes away in a few days, and it doesn't really matter.

Then what does the current Library become? The Ship's Computer?

I, too, like The Library. As the current library has much in common with the Café, perhaps it could be merged with it.

The Library: Educational Resources for Astronomy, Astrophysics, and Cosmology

How about
Asterisk Academy

Asterisk Academy could probably take the place of Learning & Resources. How about the Help Desk?

TNT wrote:Asterisk Academy could probably take the place of Learning & Resources. How about the Help Desk?

Seems to me that a "help desk" is a place where you go to actively ask questions- what is now called "The Library". A "library" is a place you go to get information more passively, by accessing reference materials. So that's why it makes pretty good sense to call the suggested new forum "The Library".

Perhaps it, as well as The Communications Center should live in the Learning & Resources section.

"The Galactic Digital Library"

luigi wrote:
"The Galactic Digital Library"

The Asterisker's Guide to the Galaxy?

neufer wrote:The Asterisker's Guide to the Galaxy?

Owlice, I immediately thought of 'The Knowledge Base' . . any good?

Chris Peterson wrote:

neufer wrote:
The Asterisker's Guide to the Galaxy?

• [It's Alive!]

• Art (Scooper Duper) Neuendorffer

neufer wrote:

• Art (Scooper Duper) Neuendorffer

Glad you felt inclined to stop there... the next scene isn't pretty!

Library #1-Ask questions about Astronomy.

Library #2-learning, resources and public outreach materials from NASA and other sources.

Put library #2 directly beneath library #1.

I like these suggestions; thanks very much! Now I'm wondering whether the Library should just be retitled somewhat, perhaps "Information Desk and Resources," and just one thread stickied that has education and public outreach posts. Maybe a forum is too much right now. The tag line could still include "ask questions" and something about "get yer E/PO stuff here," too. If there's a wild frenzy of E/PO discussion and resource sharing, perhaps then a forum could be set up just for that purpose.

It's been helpful to read through your thoughtful posts and ideas; I appreciate them all (even though I've been hearing "Puttin' on the Ritz" in my head all afternoon!)!

Owlice, is that regular or whole wheat "Ritz"

It's the big Ritz!

Hmm... This thread seems to be just a bit Frankenstienish

Beyond wrote:
Hmm... This thread seems to be just a bit Frankenstienish

• Back to Astronomy then:

Owlice didn't mention that the 'Big Ritz' came in a three-some, but with only one telly scope, which most likely only sees the stars around that strange space called HollyWood. Of course when they are filming on the western side, the telly scope will come in mighty handy to see all those shooting stars. YEE-HAA!!