Abstract | The organizations studied for this project are highly committed to providing information and services for the betterment of individuals and their local communities. These services matter and have positive outcomes and impacts. With qualifications, the researchers conclude that these organizations range from marginally to highly effective, but in all cases are invaluable community resources. The principal qualification is that all the organizations studied face numerous obstacles and challenges in being able to realize their full potential to meet the needs of citizens and the goals of different levels of government, in the provision of information and service delivery leading to desired, and in many cases, required outcomes. One organization studied is much more able than the others to achieve these goals, largely due to funding resources, but it faces other challenges. The other three organizations exhibit different levels of effectiveness, with the potential to do much more, but grapple daily with daunting funding and operational challenges. |
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