Keepeek recently launched a new system for consulting OECD publications. François Barnaud,OECD Marketing Director, agreed to answer our questions on this strategic project for the organization.
Can you tell us a little about this new READ service?
READ is a service for consulting OECD publications. It enables anyone to read our publications free of charge from a computer, tablet or phone.
But the OECD already publishes on the Internet, so why a new service?
In fact, we have several websites to promote our publications. The number of visitors to these sites is constantly increasing. The READ system enables us to reach new users and meet new needs. First of all, it's totally free to access and accessible to a very wide public. It's also very easy to use, enabling articles to be consulted even when on the move (particularly via tablets). Finally, it facilitates integration and direct links to our publications, particularly via social networks.
Is integration with these networks a priority?
The OECD enjoys a strong reputation in the professional, research and teaching worlds. We also want to make ourselves accessible to a less specialized audience. To reach these new readers, relaying information via social networks is a highly effective solution. Today, every book release is spontaneously relayed on Twitter, LinkedIn or Facebook. Our aim is clear: to democratize access to our work and reach an audience that doesn't spontaneously visit our traditional websites.
Free document publishing portals already exist. Why not use them?
In fact, we already use them and our publications can be consulted on platforms such as Google Book or Scribd. However, we need to remain in control of the publication process. Some publications are very sensitive. We need to be sure when we can make them accessible.
Do you have any initial feedback on the success of READ?
A first version of this system went online in 2012. In just a few weeks, we exceeded 100,000 visitors per month. This new mode of consultation is very popular with our users, enabling them to read our books for the first time. It also serves as a relay to our other sites, creating a virtuous synergy in the visitor's journey. Every day, hundreds of documents are added or updated in the READ system.
Was the set-up complex?
The OECD has extensive experience in publishing-related IT. In the case of READ, we relied on Keepeek, an expert in Digital Asset Management. We had to meet a number of challenges.
Firstly, to develop a web application for consulting our documents in "responsive design".
Secondly, to manage very large volumes of content (over 100,000 documents).
Finally, ensure the processing of heterogeneous files, resulting from different document production methods over the years.
Has the introduction of READ changed your production processes?
In the end, very little. For us, READ is a distribution channel like any other. It relies on existing data export systems. The Keepeek solution was able to adapt to our operations without impacting our production.
