Preparation

Abstract

The first task area in the needs assessment process proposed in chapter 1 ispreparation. This task area includes planning the work to be done and involving key people in the needs assessment process. Careful planning of all aspects of the assessment is necessary, although not sufficient, to insure that the audiences are identified, that their information requirements are competently and efficiently served, and that they will make effective use of the findings. Key participants should be involved in the planning to provide valuable insights and to help prepare them to receive and act on the findings. Although initial planning is important, plans should be kept flexible and communication with the audience(s) should be sustained. The needs assessor must keep in mind the possibility that information requirements will change during the study. Needs assessment plans should be reviewed and discussed periodically to determine if changes are required to improve the quality and insure the utility of the results.