Thanks, Joe. I totally agree with this sentiment. When reporting to the legislature or soliciting support from non-users, we need to focus on highlighting outcomes, information products, their current/potential use and overall impacts/value. (But always be ready to outline how any potentials would become reality).
Of course, when speaking to direct users and other data geeks, it’s still vitally important to highlight data and tools because the more real users we have (not just theoretical users), the more benefit is realized from GeoLibrary efforts and, in turn, more GL support is generated from within their own, individual efforts/organizations.
I guess the key thing to remember is “Know your audience”…
Thanks Again,
Nate
From: Maine GeoNews [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Young, Joseph
Sent: Thursday, May 22, 2014 9:01 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Are we building our childrens GIS?
Good morning all,
This was in the GIS Café this morning and I think it provokes us to think more about how GIS can be distributed to and consumed by a larger audience than the most immediate one we design our work for.
“When you change the context and think not about the GIS and the supporting technology and start thinking about who you’d like to reach and engage with what you’re producing from the investments in GIS you’ve made, you often reach new conclusions. Pushing “data” out of a GIS group, while necessary, is increasingly a commodity activity, which will be of decreasing relative value compared to the activities of the knowledge workers and decision makers who consume that data. If, on the other hand, the GIS group is pushing out insight, that is a higher value activity. Furthermore, this value is multiplied by the size of the audience the group can reach. We take it as dogma that GIS is essential, but that, like many other aspects of running an enterprise, bears introspection. So, what is it, ultimately, do you want to use your considerable investment in GIS for, and who do you want to reach? Are there means by which you can reach people you are not reaching with insights and applications? What is the low hanging fruit to be harvested with minimal effort or investment? Sometimes getting a return on investment has less to do with adopting new technology, than looking at the problem differently.”
To read more:
http://www10.giscafe.com/blogs/terrago/2014/05/21/share-your-gis/#more-109
Have a great day!
Joseph Young
Executive Director
Maine GeoLibrary
SHS 145
51 Commerce Drive
Augusta, Maine 04333- 145
VP 207-624-2664
FAX 207-287-1131
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