Transcript Inform Ontario

Inform Ontario
Common Ground
Markham 2013
Vision
2012 – Two InformOntario members’ meetings
Passion about the grassroots I&R system that has
evolved in Ontario.
United and assertive in expressing the vision,
values, and guiding principles that characterize the
Ontario I&R system and its relationships moving
forward.
Values
O A wide range of players are part a broader, complex, long-standing system
that is based on local community service provision.
O Professional standards, expertise and excellence (e.g. consistent, accurate,
reliable, timely, genuine, appropriate, effective).
O Adapting to change and being responsive to community needs at the local
level –involves disaster planning, social planning and community
development.
O Centered on client needs – I&R is about building relationships and trust,
and involves assessment and assurance.
O Multi-channel approaches – one data source that is accessible through
multiple means (i.e. in person, by phone, email, internet, directories, portals,
social media, etc.)
O Collegiality which fosters respectful, mutually beneficial, and collaborative
working relationships among I&R providers.
Our Common Ground
O We value good data but are much more than data – we also have responsive
services, standards of practice, continuity of service across geographies and
providers.
O The local experience is diverse, engages partnerships across sectors and enhances
capacity beyond the I&R sector.
O Innovation is happening as local I&R service providers work to respond to changes
and local needs -- sharing what is being done may help spread innovative
developments.
O Sometimes exciting, sometimes frustrating; technological change is driving service
change, opening opportunities and, to a great extent, is unpredictable.
O Inclusion, particularly digital and information access, continues to be an issue that
we need to consider at all times in our role to provide equitable and mediated access
in our communities.
O Collaboration between various sector leadership bodies is desired.
Reflections
O What should we pay more attention to as
the Ontario I&R sector evolves?
O What should InformOntario do for its
members?
O What would you like to have as part of the
2014 symposium?
“When one tugs at a single
thing in nature, he finds it
attached to the rest of the
world.”
John Muir (1838-1914); Naturalist, Author