1.2: Information Specialists
Strengthen EPA’s network of information specialists Other Information:
EPA employs a variety of information specialists placed throughout the Agency and on telephone hotlines to help public callers
and visitors find Agency information. Examples of these information specialists include public affairs staff in Headquarters
and all ten Regional Offices, Toxics Release Inventory coordinators in its Regional Offices, and EPA librarians. Most of these
information specialists operate as loose networks across their geographic areas of responsibility and subject matter expertise.
While they focus mainly on local information requests, information specialists sometimes direct people to information resources
elsewhere and provide referrals to Agency subject matter experts. EPA’s Library Network is composed of 26 facilities located
in Regional offices and laboratories throughout the country. Many of these libraries specialize, either geographically (e.g.,
the Chesapeake Bay) or by subject (research and development). In the past, the libraries operated independently to provide
local support for EPA staff and the public. By becoming a stronger national network, EPA’s librarians are extending library
visitors access to specialized collections and knowledgeable librarians at all library locations. Strengthening other networks
of Agency information specialists similarly may be expected to improve the help they are able to provide people to find EPA
information. EPA employs many staff who help people find information, including a network of professional librarians. In many
cases their efforts are not fully coordinated. • How can EPA better coordinate the informal network of information specialists
throughout the Agency? • What can EPA do to better connect the Agency’s professional librarians with technology and tools
that provide “anywhere access” to library services?
Indicator(s):
|
