Grant gives boost to state online encyclopedia

ATHENS - The state of Georgia has received a $175,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities to create an online encyclopedia -- the first award of its kind. <br> <br> The New Georgia Encyclopedia project, based at the University of Georgia, is scheduled to debut in fall 2003. Once the project is completed, visitors will be able to tour Savannah or enjoy the Georgia Music Hall of Fame without leaving their computer terminals. <br> <br> The $2.3 million project has received funding from public sources and private foundations, such as Woodruff, Georgia Power and Peyton Anderson, but the grant is primarily to support the production staff in Athens. <br> <br> Governor Barnes said the e-encyclopedia -- the nation&#39;s first online state encyclopedia -- will offer an honest and thoughtful portrayal of Georgia. <br> <br> The Humanities Council is one of four partners on the project. The University of Georgia Press provides editorial and quality control oversight; GALILEO, the University System&#39;s computer network of databases, is the server and technology adviser, and the governor&#39;s office has helped with financial support.