INFORMATION INNOVATIONS IN SOCIAL SERVICES DEPARTMENTS: A THIRD REPORT ON PROJECT INISS
| Published date | 01 April 1982 |
| Pages | 273-281 |
| Date | 01 April 1982 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/eb026732 |
| Author | D.R. STREATFIELD,T.D. WILSON |
| Subject Matter | Information & knowledge management,Library & information science |
INFORMATION INNOVATIONS IN SOCIAL SERVICES
DEPARTMENTS: A THIRD REPORT ON PROJECT INISS
D.
R. STREATFIELD
National
Foundation for
Educational Research
T. D. WILSON
University
of Sheffield
THE PREVIOUS REPORTS in this series1-2 described the data collection phases
of Project INISS, in which structured observation and interviewing were the basic
methods used. When this work was completed the Project moved into its 'action'
phase, in which a number of innovations in information provision were applied
experimentally in seven social services departments. The change was reflected in
a
different funding body; the early work was supported by the British Library
Research and Development Department, but a new research grant was obtained
from the Department of Health and Social Security when the BLRDD was un-
able to provide further support. This paper outlines the idea of 'action research',
describes the intention of the action phase and of the innovations introduced,
traces the main features of negotiations with department management and staff
and outlines the results.
ACTION RESEARCH AND THE APPLICATION OF RESEARCH RESULTS
The original research proposal had envisaged adopting an action research ap-
proach to the problems of information provision in social services departments.
The decision to pursue further funding for the implementation phase was dictated
by
a
combination of
factors.
These included:
(1) dissatisfaction with the prevalent 'scientific research' and 'dissemination'
modes of communicating research results;
(2) a desire to ensure that the earlier findings of the Project were tested and
amplified through further involvement with practitioners;
(3) growing recognition of a need for collaboration between information
specialists and their potential clients in the design of services;
(4) the apparent desire of social services practitioners to collaborate with the
researchers in solving some of their communication problems.
The limitations of the 'scientific research' and 'dissemination' approaches to
communication of research results have been explored elsewhere.3"4 Briefly, the
methods of communication adopted by research scientists and the language used
in research reports or journal articles are aimed at other research scientists.
Recognition that some research has implications for practice beyond the research
community has led to various attempts at more effective dissemination of research
results to practitioners.5-6 Unfortunately, practitioners have shown a marked
Journal
of
Documentation,
Vol. 38, No 4, December 1982, pp. 273-281
273
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