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Define and implement new tools and interfaces for moderators – Continue working with moderators and arXiv IT to define and implement new tools and interfaces to support the work of moderators. See "Improve tools and interfaces to support moderators" in Technical section above. Work in progress.
Improve arXiv administrative processes – Work with Scientific Director and others to evaluate arXiv administration processes, and to define and implement an optimal administrative staffing configuration, in light of evolving moderation tools and staffing needs. New admin staffing configuration defined. Job position for arXiv Operations Manager created and posted. Interview process begun.
Publish arXiv category definitions – Complete the development of public subject category descriptions for existing physics categories. Only a small number of physics categories currently have public descriptions. Defining the scope and boundaries of the categories will help users, moderators, and administrators. Work in progress.
Review arXiv endorsement policies – Review current arXiv endorsement procedures and policies across all subject categories, seeking greater uniformity and transparency. Work with IT to implement any polices that can be programmatically enabled. New endorsement policy approved by SAB during July 2015 meeting. Public documentation and development work to do.
Systematize the arXiv moderation appeal processes – Work toward a uniform arXiv moderation appeal process across all subject categories. Provide public documentation of the process. New appeal process proposed, modified, and accepted by SAB in first quarter 2015.
Review arXiv user communication – Begin to review the many "stock" messages used by arXiv administrators when communicating with submitters and other arXiv users. Some of these messages are outdated, cryptic, or unnecessarily brusque. Work toward identifying these and improving their usefulness. Modification of messages ongoing, as those needing change are encountered.
Develop arXiv moderator assessment metrics – Define, develop, and implement metrics for evaluating moderator performance, to share with subject committee chairs. A tool has been developed to calculate and report on a moderator's level of activity using moderator web interface. Run on demand.
Develop criteria for accepting new subject domains – arXiv is occasionally asked to add a new subject domain. While there is considerable experience within the organization about what to consider regarding new domains, this has not been documented. Gather and document a set of criteria to be used when considering the feasibility of adding new subject domains to arXiv. Set of questions for assessing new domains now documented on SAB wiki.
Business Model & Governance
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