How will these encyclopedias be updated?

One of the most important considerations in using a hypertext encyclopedia system for managing scientific kowledge is the maintenance and updating process.  A hypertext system is dynamic by its very nature.  New pages and new associative links can and should be added almost continuously as new research knowledge and management experience is developed.  If this evolutionary improvement of the hypertext encyclopedia is neglected, the value of this Internet-based knowledge tool will deteriorate relatively rapidly. It is therefore of paramount importance that an effective updating and maintenance plan be developed.

An updating and maintenance process for this knowledge management system has been designed. We are using a peer-reviewed updating system similar to those run by an electronic journal.  This system will both attract scientific contributions and enforce the standard science quality control methodology.  Here is how it is expected to work:

• we will publicize the availability of this new scientific publication outlet to all scientists, government or non-government, just like scientific journals do now. It is not important what organization an author works for, only how good the science is! We will develop and publicize publication guidelines for the hypertext encyclopedia and spell out what type of addition, deletion, or change to structure and function of the hypertext can be accepted.
• We will then manage the peer review process.  The hypertext encyclopedia network has a managing editor and an editorial board to oversee scientific quality issues.  
• Additions, deletions, and/or changes to the structure or content of the hypertext will be accepted as contributions by the managing editor and assigned to the editorial board for disposition.  The peer review process will be performed completely online and reviewer identities will be confidential known only to the editorial staff.  Reviewers will provide editors with critical comments and ratings of appropriateness of the contribution for the encyclopedia.  The editorial board will notify the author of the results of the peer review and direct the author to take appropriate action.
• Hypertext authors will get peer review credit along with a date of authorship and a creditable citation.