Population Sahalli Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where does the name Sahalli come from?
2. Who is the Population Institute?
3. How do I find content?
4. How do I add content?
5. How can I give feedback or ask questions?
6. What computer program does Population Sahalli run on?
7. What are the different user levels?
8. What if there are no references on a topic I’m searching for?
9. How can I use Population Sahalli in my classroom?
10. How are resources prioritized?
11. Who moderates conversations?
12. Where can I learn more about what Sahalli can do?

1. Where does the name Sahalli come from?
   
   Sahalli is a Chinook Indian word meaning “high ground.”  Depending on context, it can also mean “holy ground.”  The exact spelling of the word is debatable since it is derived phonetically from the Chinook word.  It was chosen for the generic application because it is designed to give an overview of subjects “from the 10,000 foot level.”  Population Sahalli is one of many websites using the application SahalliSharp.  For more information see its homepage.

2. Who is the Population Institute?
   
   The Population Institute is an international, educational nonprofit organization that seeks to reduce rapid population growth and achieve a world population in balance with a healthy global environment.  PI is headquartered on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C.  Please see our website for more information.

3. How do I find content?
   
   Content is organized by topic (e.g. Population and Development) and references such as articles, books, and papers (eg. this BBC editorial).  There are two search tools to find content, the topic navigator and the reference navigator.  Within each navigator, you have the option to search keywords, or browse based on either recent or popular content.  For a more technical description, see the SahalliSharp tour.

4. How do I add content?
   
   Only Population Sahalli members can add content, and depending on your user level (see question 8) you can add content in the form of a conversation, topic or reference.  For technical instructions, see the SahalliSharp support page.

5. How can I give feedback or ask questions?
   
   Any questions or comments regarding Population Sahalli content can be emailed to pubpol2@populationinstitute.org, or call (202) 544-3300.  For technical support or feedback, contact techsupport@sahalli.com.

6. What computer program does Population Sahalli run on?
   
   Population Sahalli is one of many Sahalli’s, each of which runs on the application SahalliSharp.  For more information, please see its homepage.

7. What are the different user levels?
   
   There are six different user “roles” in Population Sahalli, which are determined by the administrators.  In order of access from least to most they are:

• Reader – users who have no password and therefore cannot add content, but do help to determine resource popularity
• Reviewer – Sahalli members with access to the conversation function
• Researcher – members with the ability to add content pending approval
• Trustee – members with the ability to add content they own and to make it public
• Editor – members who can add and manage all content
• Administrator – Population Institute staff with the ability to regulate content as well as membership status.

For a full explanation of each one, see the SahalliSharp visibility support page.

8. What if there are no references on a topic I’m searching for?
   
   If there is something you think relates to population and should be included on the Population Sahalli, please email us with any ideas.  We are committed to displaying the breadth of the population issue, and welcome any suggestions you many have.

9. How can I use Population Sahalli in my classroom?
   
   Apart from using Population Sahalli as a research tool, it can also be used as an assignment in and of itself by working the conversation features into any environmental or health related lesson plan.  Sahalli even has its own “team feature” to provide your class with its own visibility category.  See the SahalliSharp visibility support page for more information.

10. How are resources prioritized?
    
    Search results can be ordered either by date posted or by popularity, depending on which you prefer.  See the SahalliSharp navigator support page for more information.

11. Who moderates the conversations?
    
    The “owner,” or person who posted the reference, receives and moderates all conversations related to those references.

12. Where can I learn more about what Sahalli can do?
    
    SahalliSharp.com is full of information about the wonderful tools available in this unique application.  If you still have questions, do not hesitate to contact us at the Population Institute.