Page 292 - DLIS402_INFORMATION_ANALYSIS_AND_REPACKAGING

Unit 14: Information Planning and Management

14.2 Background Information Technology Notes
Initially used to reduce the cost of repetitive tasks such as order processing, by the late 1960s computers
were running management information systems, tracking progress toward corporate goals and
objectives. By the mid-1970s, high costs and long lead times had resulted in the acceptance of long-
term planning for computer systems. This planning led to the examination of information needs
against operational goals, the study of information flows, and the development of data models and
long-term technology strategies. Data management was implemented to achieve uniformity and avoid
duplication in large databases and integrated systems.

The history of computer systems, the trend has been towards an increasing emphasis
on information needs and on the coordinated management of information resources.

In the 1980s, the distinction between computers and telecommunications gradually disappeared as
their underlying technologies merged, leading to a closer relationship of the two service functions
in many institutions. Another important trend is an increase in inter-communication and inter-
operability between different equipment and software. This trend is shifting the emphasis from the
technology being used to the information being processed and communicated. It is also highlighting
the importance of coordinated planning for information-based resources in institutions and
government.

14.3 Information Practices

Managing the collection, creation, organization, and retrieval of institutional information holdings
has traditionally been viewed as vital to supporting effective decision-making and efficient delivery
of programs and services. In recognition of the importance of information issues to modern society,
statutory and policy requirements governing the administration of government records have steadily
increased in recent years. For example:
• Statistics Canada received the authority to improve information collection and to reduce du-
plication in the early 1960s;
• the Public Records Order of 1966 expressed the government’s intention to inventory, control
and organize government records and introduced the concept of identifying and scheduling
records that have permanent administrative or historical value;
• in 1978, the records management emphasis on paper records was extended to computer data;
• Part IV of the Canadian Human Rights Act requires that all personal information used for ad-
ministrative purposes, regardless of its form or medium be controlled and inventoried;
• in 1983, the Access to Information Act made institutions accountable for the information they
control and for providing access to it (except in limited circumstances). Access rights were
further extended in 1988 by the Government Communications policy, which requires institu-
tions to make information from databases available for purchase wherever there is significant
demand;
• in 1983, the Privacy Act placed controls on collecting, using and disclosing personal information;
• in 1986, the Security Policy of the Government of Canada required a review of all information
holdings to determine what level of protection was appropriate;
• since 1986, government policy has addressed concerns about the burden that providing
information constitutes to the public (response burden) by requiring information to be used

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