Abstract

The "open data" movement is becoming more popular in different contexts: public administration, science and companies; therefore, it is important to know its scope. The term has generated a lot of expectations related to transparency at all levels, data reuse and free access. This review discusses some of the expectations generated by this movement.

Abstract

Given the backwardness of public administrations to implement e-government tools in practice and in everyday life to make life easier for citizens, public libraries prove to be far more advanced, offering both technical infrastructure and advice to their users to search information and to carry out transactions. E-government suffers from technological inefficiency and also reflects little understanding of the transformation of the socio-technical framework and its impact in shaping relationships with citizens.

Abstract

The Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology (Fecyt) is a governmental tool for the integration of ministerial activity. With its cross-sectional nature, Fecyt tries to ensure that universities, research centres and companies get the most out of innovation. It also pays great attention to the international impact of Spanish science through journals and repositories. In this article, the Fecyt director responsible for Integrated Management of Scientific Information describes their main objectives and activities.

Abstract

A picture is presented of the state of library and information professionals and disciplines in Spain. Statistical data are provided about both the number and type of Spanish libraries and archives as well as practising professionals according to geographic distribution, training and job description. Spanish library and information authorities are identified as well as professional associations and learned societies and conferences held. University education is examined describing existing institutions, degree levels and providing data on student enrollment and teachers.

Abstract

After a general introduction to concepts such as eGovernment, eDemocracy and eGovernance, a brief reflection on the situation of the Spanish public administration in relation to the internet is offered. The opportunities that information and communication technologies offer to carry out deep reforms in administrative procedures is discussed. If we do not seize these opportunities we risk “fossilizing” the administration, making only superficial changes that do not make the needed improvements in efficiency and the services to businesses and citizens.

Abstract

The notion of “information subsidy” was introduced by US media researchers to refer to informational materials that an organization’s press officers place at the disposal of journalists covering an informational event. Based on this idea, this research examines the online pressrooms of Spanish ministries, as organizations of high media interest, to see how they optimize these online spaces for journalists to provide such information subsidies. The content offered as well as its architecture and usability, according to the effectiveness criteria identified by previous researchers, are analyzed.

Abstract

More and more people think that we are transforming the model of society, changing from an industrial to a knowledge model, where data and information are its raw material. In this context many open data initiatives are being developed by public administrations around the world in a short time period. The open data process is defined, the reasons to carry out it are explained, and some guidelines on how to do it in a very pragmatic and sustainable manner are given.

Abstract

Public administrations must adapt to the current needs and demands of society, characterised by growing complexity, increasingly rapid change, and greater density of the interrelationships between individuals. The intensity of the necessary organisational changes brings us to define the concept of public innovation, to designate the application of ideas and new practices in the field of public management with the aim to generate social value. This article gives account of the Plan of Public Innovation of the Basque Government, which is now in force, and gives special attention to its relationship with the management of information, highlighting the aspects of the Plan that are more directly linked with this organisational function.

Abstract

The entry into force of the Spanish act about digital access (Ley 11/2007, BOE  n. 150, de 23/6/2007) has produced a decisive impact on the development of records management projects in organizations. The Entitat Autònoma del Diari Oficial i de Publicacions , the body that publishes Diari Oficial de la Generalitat de Catalunya (DOGC ) –the official journal of the Catalan government-, started its editing process adaptation to the electronic environment in 2009, based on Ley 2/2007 (DOGC, 5/6/2007), an act that defines the digital format as the only official format for DOGC. Two key projects in this process are presented: adoption and adaptation of EuroVoc thesaurus as an indexation tool, and the design of the new digital cycle of DOGC production and publication.

Abstract

The weighty structures of government are forced to evolve due to the ubiquity of social networks in all areas of society. Governments should lose their distrust of web 2.0 and assume the changes brought about by these new ways of communicating with the public and among officials. Social networks favour participation, transparency and innovation at all levels.