Jinfo: Insight 3 from Research Focus

Insight 3 from Research Focus - design for 2020
Jinfo Blog

16th October 2017

Abstract

In the third insight from our Research Focus, "Define and manage value for current awareness", we look at the importance of planning three years ahead to identify the key milestones to work on now to reach your 2020 goals.

Item

Jinfo's third insight in our Research Focus: "Define and manage value for current awareness" focuses on the future: design the system you think will meet your organisation's needs in 2020, and work backwards from there to determine where you need to invest in technology, content and skills in 2017.

We are in exciting times for current awareness. In our consumer lives, it's never been easier to stay informed about topics we care about. And as 2018 approaches, corporate current awareness is ready to adopt and adapt some of the tools and processes that drive discovery and access.

Think freely

Amongst the elements to incorporate in your 2020 design:

AI and smart technology
Source selectivity
User preferences for discovery, access, and format
Workflow integrations with CRM, employee databases and other systems
Value of current awareness as a visible and valuable branded resource from the information service
Effective and targeted reporting on usage and value.

Start with a clean slate. Consider the ideal future state without limiting it with assumptions about continuing with current products, workflows or formats. With an hour or two of imaginative brainstorming, you can develop a clear description of what a functional and valuable current awareness system will look like in the near future.

Test the gaps

THEN consider where you are today and where the biggest gaps are between your vision and your reality.

Develop your plan to fill those gaps through research, discussions with your suppliers, testing of new products and tools, engagement with IT and/or other departments that can help with the internal technology aspects, and dialogue with stakeholders about what "value" means for current awareness provision.

For example, what would be missing from decision-making, risk management and business growth without current awareness?

The provision of current awareness is an activity that many information services have been offering for decades. These activities generally have evolved organically, rather than through clear-eyed strategy. With the emerging maturity of technology and burgeoning of potential source materials, now is the time to take a more strategic approach.

Get started right away: leverage Jinfo's research and experience

Free: key insights

The main lessons learned in this three-month Research Focus, plus a thematic index to all content published, are listed in the "Insights and Actions" report for the Research Focus, "Define and manage value for current awareness".

Non-subscribers: request a free copy by registering your interest.

Subscribers: sign in now to download your copy and access all premium content.

Content

The content in the current Research Focus, "Define and manage value for current awareness", offers analysis and perspective on rapid changes in current awareness provision and how they will continue to evolve over the next few years.

Use these items from the Research Focus for specific guidance (paid subscription):

The following webinars will also be useful (paid subscription):

10th October: The increasing role of technology in current awareness - recording available to Subscribers
7th November: The impact of shrinking spend on premium databases
5th December: Current awareness in 2020

Community

Join your peer group in Jinfo Community sessions to work on these issues (paid subscription, with Community option included):

4th October: Current awareness platforms - is it time to make the leap? - an article encompassing key points will be available soon
15th November: Will you use a news service in 3 years?

Consulting

Jinfo Consulting regularly consults on needs assessments and user feedback exercises to approximate the future value of current awareness provision in an organisation. Contact us to learn how we can help you.

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