PROJECT 2: INFORMATION EVALUATION AND ANALYSIS

PURPOSE: To gain experience with locating, evaluating and analyzing information for a specific user or user group and with developing an analytic and evaluative information product for the specified user.

Examples of products appropriate for this project might include:

• A background paper for the client that includes summation and evaluation of available information on a specific question (with a report on specific sources consulted)
• An analysis of data needed as part of a decision making process (with reference to sources consulted)
• An evaluative guide that reports and analyzes research on a particular issue or topic needed by the client (include citations to specific reports of research)
• An information resource package for a particular user group (an evaluative cumulation of relevant data; a directory of resources)

Determining an appropriate project:
Choose a subject area and user group that is different from the group and topic area used for Project 1 or choose a different aspect or focus from that used for Project 1. Definitely choose a different question(s) than that used for the information request (Part 3 of Project 1). The emphasis for this project is on creating a usable product for a defined user group whereas the focus for Project 1 was on discovery and brief description of available resources along with awareness of information seeking behavior and needs. This project requires more precise evaluation and analysis of the information results that are presented. That evaluation and analysis should be evident in the report submitted.

Steps for completing the project:

• Find a user with an information request that requires location of specific information and also requires evaluation and analysis of data or reports of research for decision support or policy development purposes.
• Define user information requirements specific to this project.
• Determine scope and intent of the information need.
• Determine presentation format with the user(s).

SUBMIT: Presentations: 31 Mar & 2 Apr; Written work: 2 Apr

• A copy of the report prepared for the user (printed or posted electronically depending on user requirements)
• A list of the information requirements determined by yourself and the user(s) (posted to course website)
• A brief description in outline form of search methodology and sources consulted (posted to course website)
• A class presentation discussing rationale for design and results with class

EVALUATION: Discussion by evaluators: Tu 14 Apr

1. Class will develop criteria for judging different types of products.

2. Team of classmates will evaluate each product developed to: test usefulness; evaluate information presented; offer constructive suggestions.

3. Instructors will evaluate each submitted project using developed criteria.