1. Canadian Statistics Evidence for enlightened democracy IASSIST, Edinburgh 2005

2. Statistics Canada / Communications and Library Services Division2 Introduction Importance of literacy for all Literacy is fundamental for complex modern societies, but… –concept of ‘literacy’ is broader; and –we still have a way to go

3. Statistics Canada / Communications and Library Services Division3 The informed citizen and the public good Professional, independent, accurate information on economy and society Official statistics as a ‘public good’ –Public interest –Public ‘right to know’ –Public funds –Public dissemination –Public accountability –Societal development

4. Statistics Canada / Communications and Library Services Division4 Engaging users: media The Daily –Guided by former journalists, for journalists –Stories about data in the context of trends –Answer the “So what?” question Media Room –Online contact info to reach experts –Free download of publications –Calendar of upcoming releases –Notices, links for regional data

5. Statistics Canada / Communications and Library Services Division5 Engaging users: education Education Outreach / Learning Resources –Online teaching aids / lesson plans; Bulletin; –Secondary schools: E-Stat access to CANSIM –Post-secondary: DLI and University Liaison Classroom Outreach –Volunteers in-class; Expert Speaker Program Education Liaison Officers –Curriculum monitoring –Regional workshops

6. Statistics Canada / Communications and Library Services Division6 Engaging users: compendia Canada Year Book –Data tables and prose (returning to roots) Canada: A Portrait –A coffee-table presentation of Canada (no tables) Canada at a Glance –Free overview brochure; very wide distribution Canada e-Book –2001 CYB online; being entirely reworked Canadian Statistics –Online summary tables; approx. 500 unique titles

7. Statistics Canada / Communications and Library Services Division7 Redesigning public good products Redesigning the Canada e-Book –Get information on our audience –Be realistic about our resources –Produce a much leaner e-Book –Remember the ‘e’ in e-Book –Aim at minimizing maintenance costs

8. Statistics Canada / Communications and Library Services Division8 Facing new challenges Audience diversification and expectations Selection of public good content Coherence of contents Costs of online compendia Lifespan of compendia publications

9. Statistics Canada / Communications and Library Services Division9 So what? Literacy a key to development Public good info can help promote statistical literacy Equip citizens for participation in society Close the loop between data providers and data users Help answer the “So what?” questions

10. Statistics Canada / Communications and Library Services Division10 Thank you for your attention Alan Bulley Analysis and Compendia Publishing alan.bulley@statcan.ca