Check Out the New LTAP/TTAP Resource Database

In October the new version of the LTAP/TTAP resource database went live. The new database is currently populated with the resources submitted by Centers as part of NLTAPA needs assessment this summer. For many of the materials in the database, you can actually download the documents and presentations associated with the class. The Clearinghouse is continuously adding more documents.

In mid-December we will be testing a new web entry mechanism that will allow Centers to enter resources into the database and upload suitable materials to the server. After the PAR submissions in January 2009, we will also add the LTAP/TTAP courses to the database. At that time you will also be able to add additional information on those courses - such as instructors, course description, etc., to fill out the fields in the database.

As mentioned at the regional and summer meetings, the fields being used are in the LTAP/TTAP database match up with the NTTR database. To collaborate with NTTR, FHWA has agreed that the LTAP/TTAP Clearinghouse will provide basic course titles and contact information for all the LTAP/TTAP courses to the NTTR database. The Clearinghouse will act as the "steward" of this information and update it several times a year. This information will also be stored in the LTAP/TTAP database, where Centers will have the ability to change this information on a regular basis through your Centers Only area and upload materials to the special LTAP/TTAP server.

There will be some overlap between the NTTR database and the LTAP/TTAP resource database. However, the key distinction is that the LTAP/TTAP resource database includes downloads where you can actually access information provided by other Centers.

Although the LTAP/TTAP Clearinghouse will upload course information into the NTTR next year, this does not preclude Centers from registering with the NTTR and entering their own information before that time. We will be able to resolve any duplicate course listings.

You can still search the old database under the Resources tab of the webpage. We will keep this live as we transition to the new database.

Instructions on accessing LTAP/TTAP database:
Log on to the Centers Only Area of the website, and then click on the Resource Database Search under the Center Download section.

Once you are in the Resource Database you can search via keyword, or browse by category. Most resources have associated materials available for download. To download a resource click on the title and a box will appear asking you to log in to download files from the FTP server. The credentials are as follows:

Username: ltapttap
Password: ltapttap8

Once you are logged in you have the option of saving the file or opening it. Because of the size of the files, we recommend using the download option.