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Emerging trends and best practices in data dissemination

Emerging trends and best practices in data dissemination. Nireen Naidoo Statistics South Africa. Comments on ABS paper. Well written document with some good insights Statistician’s role extends to ensuring effective communication of messages that will guide users to make informed decisions

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Emerging trends and best practices in data dissemination

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  1. Emerging trends and best practices in data dissemination Nireen Naidoo Statistics South Africa

  2. Comments on ABS paper • Well written document with some good insights • Statistician’s role extends to ensuring effective communication of messages that will guide users to make informed decisions • Electronic dissemination of publications are free • Easy access to confidentialised unit records • The internet is seen as the main channel for information dissemination • Writing specifically for web dissemination • Linking metadata to data in a more user-friendly way • Email notifications of releases • Self-help guides

  3. Migrating from paper to the web • SA research shows that a third of stakeholders still want paper-based publications • Electronic products on CD are the most popular, followed by information received via email and the website* • Main users of the Stats SA website are academics, students and the private sector • About 10% are international users • All libraries receive electronic copies, but still want printed copies • All government departments, research and educational institutions, parastatals and parliament – free aggregated data in Super Table • 10% sample of Census data • GHS, LFS etc datasets on CD * 4 main target groups surveyed during stakeholder workshops in all 9 provinces

  4. Stats SA’s pricing policy • Market divided into 11 external market segments • Stats SA’s policy is: • To promote the widest possible dissemination of information • To provide access to all stakeholders • To provide information at no charge* • Special data runs are charged at R 300 per hour • Charged in 1996 – generated R 11 million. Census cost R 450 million • Value is in the use of the statistics • Generous with granting permission for 3rd party publications * Some products attract a cost for printing and packaging, but can be downloaded free from the web. This is to minimise abuse and wastage

  5. Rules applied to Stats SA’s website • Ease of navigation • Quick access • Ability to find information • Animations kept to minimum • Corporate branding • Two-way communication tool!! • Feedback is encouraged through various channels • No log on except for time series • Regular and immediate updates • Standardisation of format across website

  6. StatsOnline user feedback for the period November 2003 to January 2006

  7. Features on the website • Interactive tools – PX Web, Digital Census Atlas, Ward Profiles • Publication search- keyword, group, favourites • Events calendar & publications schedule • Frequently asked questions • News • Key indicator scroll • Key findings • Time series – Excel, PC Axis, Ascii • Weekly newsletter • Competitions • Promote communication through invitations to participate in advisory group meetings, workshops etc

  8. Challenges faced with the internet in SA • www still foreign concept to some stakeholders • Teach users how to access and use website during workshops and presentations • Call centre assists users telephonically • Large proportions of SA still do not have access to the internet • Providing information for a wide audience – pitching at the right level is a challenge • Speed of access - bandwidth • Ability to download large amounts of data • Computer literacy • Level of statistical literacy • Understanding of self-help guides • Internet access is costly – users download information and read it later

  9. Initiatives that will impact on web dissemination • Writing course – for print and web publications • Revamp of current releases • Data warehouse • Literacy programmes for users and students • Promotion of the web as first port of call for statistics • Mind-set of seeing web as a communication tool rather than just a dissemination tool

  10. Writing for the web • Not currently done • Load pdf’s on web • Problem with hyperlinked stories is ability to print – still need print version • Weekly column by Statistician-General

  11. Conclusion • Statistical agencies responsibility to public to communicate statistics in everyday language • Web is critical two-way communication tool • Need to consider audience and their ability to access the web • Consider country’s adoption of technology • Linking metadata with data improves understanding of data • Interactive products give users greater flexibility • Active dissemination through emails and newsletters needed to promote web usage • Print publications still have a place in the product mix

  12. Thank you

  13. Disseminated products for the period January – December 2005 Disseminated products to external users on database: Statistical releases mailed 177 353 Right fax 2 748 Emails 20 237 Free of charge products mailed 134 927 **Does not include information sent out by call centre or through marketing activities

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