Information Audits

A Workshop for Information Professionals

This workshop identifies the benefits of undertaking an audit and goes through the audit process.  Outputs and deliverables are identified in the context of the organisation's specific needs, and common issues that arise are discussed.

Information professionals are under increasing pressure to deliver a service that gives value, and the availability of evidence to support the provision of the service is an important tool in delivering this service.

The nature of users is changing radically.  They are consumers of information and they are now in charge, rather than the producers.  There is also often a lack of clarity between the different functions within an organisation which provide information, for instance knowledge services, communications and IT, and therefore the role of the information service has to be clearly identified and promoted.

Whilst most information services will be continually improving their services in small ways, there is a need to step back and take a holistic view of the service, by first identifying the business objectives and then determining what type of information service best suits the organisation.  An information audit is a well-established method for doing this.

Where, When and How Long?

The workshop lasts for one day, typically from 9:30am to 4:30pm, and can usually be given at your own premises.  Shorter or longer workshops can be organised depending on your specific requirements.

How to book:

Contact Shaida Dorabjee to arrange a suitable date and venue.

This workshop will cover:

• The reasons why an information (or knowledge) audit should be carried out
• Different types of audit, resources required and time taken
• The importance of looking at the business needs to the organisation
• Ways in which users and stakeholders can be involved in the process
• The methodologies that can be adopted
• Addressing specific issues such as auditing electronic information and collaborative technology initiatives
• Analysing and presenting the results and recommendations
• Implementing the recommendations and addressing possible problems.

Throughout the workshop, current issues within the organisation can be used to illustrate the topics discussed.

Content:

The workshop will comprise presentations, discussions and some role play if required (for example, interviewing skills).  Real issues which the delegates want to discuss will be addressed and the workshop will be highly participative.  The workshop will focus on practical outcomes and will enable delegates to determine if and how an audit in their organisation can be undertaken.

Who should attend:

This workshop is aimed at all levels of the information profession but will be especially valuable to those directly responsible for user services and for those with managerial responsibility.