that it has copies of relevant international treaties, the outputs of treaty monitoring bodies, and academic literature in the area. The institution will also want to track developments in the domestic popular press, and should keep sets of news clipping or similar files with respect to news stories and opinion pieces relevant to its work. The range of possible material could potentially be very great and therefore difficult decisions may be forced upon the institution by limited budgets. Appointing a library committee at an early point may be advisable, and if possible, a librarian or similar coordinator should be appointed. In order to be effective, a proper database of research material should be established, preferably in electronic form. To the extent that the minority ombudsman institution is handling complaints or participating in legal processes, a proper case management system must be created, to ensure that complete files are maintained and can be easily accessed. Again, an information retrieval system must be created to allow researchers and field workers access to files relating to similar norms, or involving the same parties. PART III Much information can now be obtained through online databases and mailing lists, and also directly from treaty bodies and NGOs active in the minorities and human rights fields. A good database of relevant websites should be prepared, and formal links should be established with various treaty bodies and NGOs. Similar links should also be forged with analogous institutions in other jurisdictions for the purposes of information sharing. Training There should be a training plan for staff of the ombudsman so that they stay abreast of national and international developments in minority protection. It is essential that staff of the minority ombudsman institution remain up to date on national and international developments with regard to norms which apply to minorities. Ideally, the institution would have a research officer – this position could be combined with that of the library coordinator referred to above, who would coordinate ongoing seminar programs tracking current developments. The training program should seek to draw on the expertise of institution staff but also involve expertise that is locally available, including staff of government departments – for example, justice and foreign affairs ministry lawyers – other human rights bodies and NGOs, and academics. Where there is a significant new legal development – for example, the creation of new domestic legislation, or the entry into force of a new international treaty – a special staff training session should be organized by the research officer in order to acquaint relevant staff with the development. Wherever possible, the institution should draw on expertise that could be provided by international organizations; for example, the Council of Europe generally participates in information seminars concerning Council of Europe standards. 65