Intro and Questions

[Gail Tomlinson <gail.tomlinson@phila.gov>]

Hi! I'm Gail Tomlinson, newly hired director for the Philadelphia Water Dept.'s Water Works Interpretive Center. (We'll talk about water resources at the site of our 1812 pumping station.)

I think Pat Nunnally's on to something, at least for me. Not only aren't people sure what information's available or how to access it, I'm not sure they always really know what information can help them. This includes general public as well as agencies and organizations.

What is our responsibility, not only in building the data bases, but in educating and training the public to access those data bases to meet their needs?

A second question I'm hoping this dialogue will help me resolve is: What should the blance be between my responsibility to provide my agency's legitimate messages and the provision of broader information for our visiting public?

I'm looking forward to your help.