local e-gov National Project Local Authority Websites (LAWs)

1. local e-gov National Project Local Authority Websites (LAWs) Sheila Apicella Assistant Programme Director Local eGovernment Standards Body IA&S Workstrand Leader

2. LAWs Information Architecture and Standards Workstream

3. Taking Metadata back to the ranch • What is metadata • Why do we need it • Is there a business case for using metadata • What are the benefits • Role of the esd-toolkit

4. Data about Data So what? What is Metadata?

5. Metadata is:- • Information used to describe a resource so that you and others can find it again • It is a way of sharing data in a logical format • Helps keep track of resources held electronically • It sets out rules to help you manage information assets • Simply a method of categorising information

6. Why do we need Metadata now – We’ve been managing ok – Haven’t we? • Content all jumbled together • Shared drives • Different lists being used by Local Authorities • Other Lists being used by Central Government

7. Libraries have been doing it for years!! • Title • Author • Publisher • Subject Matter • Fact or fiction • ISDN identification

8. Staff complain about the waves of irrelevant information and struggle Citizens struggle to find content and often give up How do you know whether you have overlapping or conflicting content Does this sound familiar?

9. Information is a valuable asset like buildings, finance and people – should be valued Managing your Intellectual Capital will show business benefits Respond to questions quickly and accurately Evaluate content to make better decisions Gives your customers greater confidence in your ability to provide speedy and accurate information Is there a Business Case for categorising your content?

10. Kick start categorisation initiative with a ready made list Categorisation and controlled lists will enhance your search results Adopting LGCL will bring you in line with many other LAs As more and more LAs adopt LGCL it will enable a powerful and effective search across Local and Central Government. Gives high level categorisation, navigation and controlled list for keywords Links to Directgov What are the benefits?

11. Enables links to external websites

12. Locate something you know already exists Uncover unknown information Adopting a ready made list shortens implementation cycles (and cuts down discussions) Categorisation and use of controlled list enables personalisation of information Enables syndication of information Categorisation and use of controlled lists enables specialised web sites as a sub site of your main site re-using the same information …and there are more benefits

13. Micro Business Gateway A local portal that addresses Camden’s specific small business needs Micro businesses Advice workers Self employed Broad objectives To provide a local, single access gateway for Micro Businesses to a range of central and local government regulatory and support services To improve access to business information, particularly to members of ethnic communities To help prevent enforcement action arising from non-regulatory compliance as a result of ignorance, by highlighting responsibility and sign posting regulatory and support information.

14. LGCL terms map to LGSL services (PIDs) Derive GCL terms subject.service metadata element/refinement Associate content with a service number Count (all or ‘priority’) services to measure BVPI 157 ‘provide information’ …..and more

15. Controlled vocabulary for metadata (important for portals and to enable sharing of information across the Authority improving service delivery) Enhanced searching Web site navigation structure Helps measure performance Key Messages - How does metadata help?

16. e-GIF defines rules for using information across government e-GMS defines standards for referencing ‘resources’ LAWs addresses applying standards in local government to Web sites LAWs, Metadata & APLAWS+

17. Top level (preferred) term | Equivalent terms Preferred term | Equivalent terms RT: Related term Preferred term | Equivalent terms Narrower term | Equivalent terms Narrower term | Equivalent terms Terms have: Shortcuts, A-Z flags, Mappings to LGSL (PIDs), GCL and ACL LGCL Structure

18. Content updated without need for web skills Metadata (the eGMS) assigned at the point of creating content Categorise content

19. Assigning LGCL Categories in APLAWS+

20. View and freely download all standards in XML, Word, PDF etc Strict Version control Ongoing Support for LGCL & meta data standards in conjunction with Local eGovernment Standards Body LGCL in esd-toolkitfreely available to all

21. LGCL Viewer

22. View terms and associated services and their generic content Update equivalent terms and keywords for a concept Restructure navigation and update other data Export a local ‘view’ Submit new terms/concepts Access to forum LGCL in esd-toolkitas a subscribed Authority

23. Controlled Lists in esd-toolkit

24. When will LGCL be complete /stable? When will it be released with my requested changes? Is LGCL mandatory? Can I change LGCL? Will LGCL be sustainable after LAWs? LGCL FAQs

25. LAWs Metadata Guidelines LAWs Local Government Category List Guidance Notes LGCL 1.03 LAWs Syndication (Introduction/ Guidelines / Technical Standards) www.esd-toolkit.org/laws What is available and where can you find this information?

26. LAWs IA&S resources: www.esd-toolkit.org/laws Online forum: www.esd-toolkit/lawsforum Project Website: www.laws-project.org.uk E-mail: Sheila Apicella: sheila.apicella@localegov-standards.gov.uk Mike Thacker: mthacker@porism.com Reference and Support