INFORMATION INNOVATIONS IN SOCIAL SERVICES DEPARTMENTS: A THIRD REPORT ON PROJECT INISS

The previous reports in this series described the data collection phases of Project INISS, in which structured observation and interviewing were the basic methods used. When this work was completed the Project moved into its ‘action’ phase, in which a number of innovations in information provision were applied experimentally in seven social services departments. The change was reflected in a different funding body; the early work was supported by the British Library Research and Development Department, but a new research grant was obtained from the Department of Health and Social Security when the BLRDD was unable to provide further support. This paper outlines the idea of ‘action research’, describes the intention of the action phase and of the innovations introduced, traces the main features of negotiations with department management and staff and outlines the results.