This Saturday the Knight Commission on the Information Needs of Communities is having a daylong forum in Philadelphia. Stop by if you have the chance.
Here's the description:
Are Philadelphia citizens getting the information they need in order to solve community problems, coordinate civic activity, maintain public accountability, and foster the human connectedness that is the backbone of both community and democracy?
The Knight Commission on the Information Needs of Communities in a Democracy (www.knightcomm.org) is conducting a year long study to identify the information needs of communities in a democracy, assess how and whether those needs are being met, and recommend steps to improve the fulfillment of those needs.
In addition to reviewing research on information access and trends, including media developments, new technology, and innovations in civic and government communication, the Commission is soliciting testimony from national experts and holding community forums to hear from local citizens and practitioners about the "information ecosystems" in their communities.
The Commission will issue a report in 2009 offering recommendations for achieving the news and information environment that democratic communities need in order to thrive.
They have assembled an impressive group of local leaders for the Saturday event. The only oversight I noticed is that libraries are not represented and I've always gotten a lot of my information there, along with the newspapers. Daniel UA of Young Philly Politics represents the blogging community.
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4 comments:
Thanks so much for drawing attention to Saturday's forum. Unfortunately, although the Free Library was invited to participate, the date posed a conflict for key staff. There will, however, be significant time set aside for comments and questions from the audience. We would certainly welcome hearing how members of the community regard the library as part of their overall information environment.
Peter Shane
Executive Director
Knight Commission on the Information Needs of Communities in a Democracy
Thank you for that clarification. I appreciate you taking the time to let us know.
I've been in touch with some friends in Montana to encourage them to publicize the October forum in Missoula.
Although travel plans preclude me from being there this Saturday I hope to read more about what was said.
I am a librarian who did stop in and was very glad to hear what is happening in the news and media world. Many things they talked about we are already doing. Internet access, literacy training, helpng people find info and resources in their community, non-English speakers, school children. As well as some groups not represented -elderly and disabled anyone?
What disappointed me was how hard it was for the library world to learn of the event. The Montgomery county librarians did not know of this event and when I brought it their attention, was urged to go. The conosrtium for local small college librarians didn't know of it. And when I called reference at Phila Central, they couldn't find any info. (In fact my first call got put on hold, then dropped)
Meg,
Thanks for your comment. That might show a disconnect between the political world and the library world. Those two should be connected. Too mant of the "mom and apple pie" aspects of our society, schools, libraries, churches, and community organizations, never intersect with politics. This isn't good for anybody.
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