Where do you go today as your first stop for information — Google or Sandia’s Technical Library? When was the last time you called Recorded Information Management to help organize and retain your critical Sandia information? Don Guy, manager of Technical Library Operations Dept. 4536, wants to know.

The Technical Library and Recorded Information Management (RIM) organizations have launched a study to determine how best to support viable information life cycle management at Sandia — cradle to grave, research to publication, creation to disposition. The Library and RIM are partnering with Outsell to conduct the study. Outsell is a leading research and advisory firm focused exclusively on the information industry. The objective of the study, Don says, is to answer the question, “If we had to start today, how would we build Technical Library and Recorded Information Management functions to best support Sandia users’ needs?”

Part of the study will be a survey in which all Sandians at all sites can comment about their information needs. A link to the survey will be sent in April to all members of the Sandia community. The survey will ask where you go today to find information and will solicit input on your needs and preferences throughout the information life-cycle process. In addition to the survey, Outsell will conduct focus groups designed to explore information habits and needs. “This study,” Don says, “is a watershed moment in the history of the Technical Library and RIM — a ‘clean-slate’ take at forming or recreating services to meet the information needs of all Sandians.” For more information regarding the study, contact Donald Guy, dwguy@sandia.gov, (505) 284-2859.