The Second Annual State Data Conference
Data Partnerships: A New Approach to a New Millennium
June 19, 2000
The Second Annual State Data Conference brought together data users, collectors and providers to share the latest developments in Connecticut data while discussing the needs of our data community. This report outlines some of the current problems within the system, the latest data developments, and future issues for Connecticut’s data needs. The Conference emphasized the importance of partnerships and the need for a virtual State Data Center. Ken Wiggin, the Connecticut State Librarian, has provided a short statement on the presentation he was to make on the new State Data Protocol (see Appendix 1). Appendix 2 contains a description of the websites cited during the meetings.
The purpose of the Second Annual State Data Conference was to continue the conversation started at the First Annual Data Conference held May 10, 1999. The broad objective of this conference series is to create an ongoing symposium in which those involved in different stages of data generation, archiving, distribution, and use can exchange information on current data availability, the challenges they face, their particular needs, and their expectations (or hopes) for future developments. This Conference considered challenges in establishing uniform standards—an issue that lies at the heart of efficient data collection, archiving and dissemination—and discussed what systems for accessing data are now available or being developed in the State. Participants assessed the feasibility of establishing a comprehensive Data Center for Connecticut, and saw both what the forthcoming U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey will offer, and some of the best sites available in other communities. Conference participants came from various sectors, including government agencies, academic scholars, private enterprise and non-profit organizations.
The one-day Conference included eleven presentations organized in four sessions. Two sessions provided in-depth reports on recent advances in remote sensing and the American Community Survey. The other two sessions had multiple presenters. One group of data providers and archivers surveyed innovations in data development on the federal, state, county, town and census block levels. Another group showed what was being done to facilitate use of data for specific constituencies or communities, and how the data was being integrated into scholarship and analysis. The speakers addressed directions for future growth. The following summarizes the challenges, current initiatives and future directions for Connecticut’s data system.
Complete Final Report (including a description of the websites cited during the meetings)