COMMERCE (WBAP/KLIF) – A database created at a North Texas University is gaining popularity across the state. The database is intended to provide informative and relevant news regarding coronavirus to decision makers.
“They needed someone keeping up with the headlines so they could stay focused on the university’s response,” said Brian McGinley, Assistant Director of Proceurement Services, at Texas A&M Commerce. “I said I’d love to help.”
McGinley and his team developed a spreadsheet to store all of the news stories in one location. When the time came to work from home, he transitioned to a live, online database. On the spreadsheet, the headlines are categorized by date, time and news source, with a summary of each news story included. The spreadsheet allows viewers to make informed operational decisions by following the progression of news related to COVID-19 in real time.
McGinley maintains the database along with A&M-Commerce staff members Katie Thomas and Matt Bentley. Together, the team works in shifts throughout the day to keep the database updated with the latest news.
The database is now being utilized by several Texas agencies including the Disaster District Committee, Region 1 of the Texas Division of Emergency Management, and The Texas A&M University System. Several deans at A&M-Commerce are also using the database to keep their teams up to date. With an average of 37-40 entries per day, the database has now logged over 2,000 entries since March 17, 2020. McGinley says 10-15 viewers are logged into the database at any given time.
“It’s really just another spoke in the wheel for ensuring that the university is making the best decisions with all of the information that is available,” McGinley said.
As the state of Texas begins opening the economy for business, the EOC continues to monitor the database to help make informed decisions in response to the pandemic.
View the database.
Listen to Clayton Neville’s story below:
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