ACTING
ON A NEW STAGE:
performing arts information management in New South Wales
3 INFORMATION MANAGEMENT
3.1 A Framework
Generic concepts and trends in the information
industry influence the way performing arts information is managed.
Information management has become more complex. The sources of information
and the means of delivering information have become more diverse. Neil
McLean’s Taxonomy of Information Architecture illustrates some of the
complexity.
3.2 Information
technology and telecommunications
IT & T is now described as the most important
infrastructure in the world: it is the platform on which knowledge and
information management disciplines operate and it is producing new ways for
individuals, companies and communities to function.
The Internet offers ready access to digital
information around the world. However, the increase in electronic
information is accompanied by hasty decisions about conventional libraries.
Occasionally, they are squeezed or closed down because of superficial
judgements about the current scope, quality and accessibility of information
available from the Internet. Paul Gilster, in Digital Literacy, encourages a
balanced approach:
The Internet is not a threat to
traditional books any more than the airplane is a threat to the
automobile. Each provides opportunities for significantly enriching the
human experience; each can be a gateway into expanded knowledge and the
productive use of information. As the two delivery mechanisms develop in
parallel but distinct tracks, those who predict a paperless future are
doomed to disappointment, but so too are their technophobic
counterparts.
3.3 Knowledge and
information management
It is widely acknowledged that technology
should be an enabler, not the driver of information systems.
In recent years the practice of information
management has been enhanced by the theory of knowledge management, which
gives emphasis to capturing and re-using tacit as well as explicit
knowledge. It utilises process skills, analytic tools and enabling
technologies such as intranet, groupware, workflow, electronic document
management, imaging, search and retrieval, presentation and cognitive
software. Normally applied in corporate environments, knowledge management
as a theory has the potential for wider application.
3.4 Records management
Records management is concerned with the way
companies manage paper and electronic records to comply with legal
obligations and meet cultural and competitive objectives. Under the
influence of David Bearman and other leading thinkers on the subject, the
discipline is currently undergoing major reform, particularly in Government
circles, because of information ‘black holes’ that have been created through
the widespread use of the PC. New state legislation covering record-keeping
programs and the adoption of Australian Standard AS4390 will encourage
government organisations, at least, to adopt a more disciplined approach in
managing their business records.
3.5 Quality management
and standards
The management of quality systems, services and
products is guided by the international standard ISO 9000 and its Australian
counterparts. The concepts of benchmarking, quality control, quality
improvements, quality assurance, quality goals and quality systems are all
relevant to the development of performing arts information management
structures, systems and services - as are more specific library management
and data standards. Some typical information quality characteristics and
related values from Burk and Horton’s Infomap include:
- quality of information - such as
accuracy, comprehensiveness, credibility, relevance, and reliability.
- utility of holdings -such as ease of
access, ease of use, browsability, freqency of use, and reproducibility
- impact on organisation effectiveness -
such as finding new markets, improving customer satisfaction, and
meeting goals and objectives
Standards more closely identified with the
library industry include: guidelines on data elements (eg AS/NZ4450.3:1995),
item identifiers (eg ISBN), data content (eg Library of Congress Subject
Headings and Dewey Decimal Classification), record structures (eg USMARC
specifications, Dublin Core Metadata) and interconnection protocols
(Z39.50). Specialised standards for performing arts information need to be
developed.
3.6 Convergence
Paradoxically, diversity is also producing
converging practices and relationships between suppliers, managers and users
of information. Convergence of libraries, museums and archives was the theme
of a seminar at the recent IFLA conference. In the United Kingdom, a report
initiated by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport has recommended the
creation of a new single national strategic body for museums, libraries and
archives to replace the Museums and Galleries Commission and the Library and
Information Commission. Museums are beginning to treat information as an
object. Libraries now have ready access to information that used to be the
exclusive domain of records managers. The corporate world is experiencing a
trend towards integrated library and recordkeeping operations.
3.7 Challenges and
critical success factors
Challenges and critical success factors for
articulating and developing new paradigms in the information management
industry, according to McLean and echoed by other commentators, involve
knowledge and skills in
- mapping information infrastructures and
bringing together the curatorial side, network information managers and
third party service providers;
- defining and specifying the scope and
functional requirements of development projects;
- anticipating market place technology
shifts;
- adhering to open system architectures
and common standards;
- sharing experience and technical
expertise.
