（2003）Information Audit as A Holistic Approach：A Case Study.pdfVIP

Information Audit as A Holistic Approach: A Case Study Emily A. Langley Information Services Manager Miller Brewing Company, Milwaukee Wisconsin langley.emily@ John Seabrooks Director, Research and Development Miller Brewing Company, Milwaukee Wisconsin David Ryder Vice-President Brewing, Research and Quality Assurance Miller Brewing Company, Milwaukee Wisconsin ABSTRACT An information audit provides the framework to examine the ways in which a business creates, gathers, disseminates, stores and shares one of its greatest assets- information. The objective of the audit was to understand what information is necessary to support the business operations, what information people currently use, where people obtain this information and any gaps. The audit allowed us to analyze what information people need, the resources used to procure the information and any challenges faced in accessing information.. The combined methodologies proved successful for collecting the data necessary for a strategic overview the issues surrounding information needs, general recommendations to improve information management and a plan to address the tactical issues involved. People do not put their information needs into categories and draw boundary lines around who owns them. As librarians it is essential that we provide customer service by understanding the complete needs of our customers and working across all areas of our organizations to provide for those needs. An information audit is one means of enhancing customer service,