Inform Ontario Common Ground Markham 2013

Vision 2012 – Two InformOntario members’ meetings Passion about the grassroots I&R system that has evolved in Ontario. United and assertive in expressing the vision, values, and guiding principles that characterize the Ontario I&R system and its relationships moving forward.

Values O A wide range of players are part a broader, complex, long-standing system that is based on local community service provision. O Professional standards, expertise and excellence (e.g. consistent, accurate, reliable, timely, genuine, appropriate, effective). O Adapting to change and being responsive to community needs at the local level –involves disaster planning, social planning and community development. O Centered on client needs – I&R is about building relationships and trust, and involves assessment and assurance. O Multi-channel approaches – one data source that is accessible through multiple means (i.e. in person, by phone, , internet, directories, portals, social media, etc.) O Collegiality which fosters respectful, mutually beneficial, and collaborative working relationships among I&R providers.

Our Common Ground O We value good data but are much more than data – we also have responsive services, standards of practice, continuity of service across geographies and providers. O The local experience is diverse, engages partnerships across sectors and enhances capacity beyond the I&R sector. O Innovation is happening as local I&R service providers work to respond to changes and local needs -- sharing what is being done may help spread innovative developments. O Sometimes exciting, sometimes frustrating; technological change is driving service change, opening opportunities and, to a great extent, is unpredictable. O Inclusion, particularly digital and information access, continues to be an issue that we need to consider at all times in our role to provide equitable and mediated access in our communities. O Collaboration between various sector leadership bodies is desired.

Reflections O What should we pay more attention to as the Ontario I&R sector evolves? O What should InformOntario do for its members? O What would you like to have as part of the 2014 symposium?

“When one tugs at a single thing in nature, he finds it attached to the rest of the world.” John MuirJohn Muir ( ); Naturalist, Author