Librarian and Archivist of Canada
Ian E. Wilson
Speeches
Information Management In Government Operations
Strategic Information Management Program (SIMP), October 10, 2003
IM Champion for the Government of Canada
Overview
- Information as a Primary Resource for Government Operations
- Managing Information and Government On-Line (GOL)
- Today's IM Challenges
- IM Challenge in the Government of Canada
- The Impact of E-government on Information Management
- The Government of Canada Response:
- Increasing awareness and understanding of the importance of IM
- Building IM Capacity
- Expediting the transition to electronic records
- Developing Information Management Infrastructure
- International Initiatives in Information Management
- Questions and Contacts
Information as a Primary Resource for Government Operations
- Information explosion
- Information overload
- Information is particularly important to governments
- It drives government programs and services
"All of the services that we [government] provide to citizens, businesses, and to internal clients are about information in one way or another. The provision of information is often the service itself….Fundamentally, most governments are about managing information" GoC Framework for the Management of Information.
Managing Information and Government On-Line (GOL)
- Government of Canada goal
- "To be known around the world as the government most connected to its citizens" Speech from the Throne 2001
- Rapid growth of information and communications
- Technologies (ICTs) have enabled GOL
- Emperor's Clothes Syndrome
- Information matters
Information must be managed effectively, just as we manage our other assets.
Today's IM Challenges
- The lack of reliable information can be a major barrier to reform and development:
- not knowing what information is needed
- not having the information
- not being able to rely on the information
- not using the information
- Electronic records and systems are complex and difficult to manage
- We in the government all face the same IM challenges
- Canada as a nation faces IM challenges as well
IM Challenges in the Government of Canada
- Estimated annual direct cost to the GoC of time wasted through poor information management: more than $870 million and rising.
- Cost of storing and accessing information: $254 million
- "Weak records and information management continues to jeopardize public programs and services and impede government openness and accountability." Canadian Information Commissioner Annual Report 2002-03
- Drive to Government On-line has highlighted the need to improve IM.
The Impact of E-government on Information Management
- Digital technologies are changing the way governments function:
- 24/7 Internet portals
- Better access to services, easier compliance with legal and regulatory requirements
- Government-to-government and business-to-government relations improving
- Cultural change slowly emerging
- Growing appreciation for the value of information
- New responsibilities: everyone is accountable
- Life-cycle management of information
- Changing environment has led to new, coordinated approach to IM
The Government of Canada Response
- Increasing awareness and understanding of the importance of IM
- Building the capacity for IM in the GoC involves:
- Increasing awareness and understanding of the importance of IM;
- Instilling accountability for IM in government;
- Promoting government-wide collaboration and standards; and
- Developing tools.
- Facilitating and expediting transition to electronic as the preferred record of the federal government.
Increasing awareness and understanding of IM
- Engaging Senior Managers and Public servants
- "Case for Action" [www.collectionscanada.gc.ca]
- Achieving Excellence in IM symposium
- Librarian and Archivist of Canada as IM Champion
Building Capacity: Accountability
- Management of Government Information Policy
- Governance structures, supportive environments
- Accountability
- Integrated Management Framework
- Provides guidance on IM
- IM vision, goals and principles
- Governance and accountability models
- Information available on TBS Web site at:
- Makes all managers and staff responsible for Information Management
Building Capacity: Collaboration and Standards
- Library and Archives Canada is one of three lead agencies on IM
- Library and Archives Canada works with other lead agencies on coordinated implementation of MGI Policy
- Integrated work plans to build capacity
- Guidance and tools
Building Capacity: Tools
- Information Management Capacity check (IMCC)
- IMCC adapted for use by provinces, internationally
- Web-based Records and Information Life-Cycle guide
- These and other tools allow organizations to assess IM deficit, develop action plan and receive guidance to build IM capacity
- Additional details on Library and Archives Canada Web-site: [www.collectionscanada.gc.ca]
Expediting the transition to electronic records
- Ongoing identification of new IM issues, tools
- Consultations on e-archival infrastructure
- Defining Library and Archives Canada's role in e-records
- E-Records Formats Policy being developed
Developing Information Management Infrastructure
- Success of IM strategy depends on strong underlying infrastructure:
- Information-related laws and policies
- Program governance and accountability framework
- IM standards and practices
- Technology-based systems
- Trained staff and resources
- Infrastructure must be supported by an information culture
- Developing IM culture is biggest challenge
International Initiatives in information Management
- G-8 Initiatives
- NEPAD: Canada contributes $420 million to G8 Africa Action Plan, including $35 million to develop ICTs in Africa
- World Bank assistance
- International Records Management Trust [www.irmt.org]
Questions and Contacts
For further information:
[www.collectionscanada.gc.ca]
[centre.liaison.centre@bac-lac.gc.ca]
819-934-7519
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