The information management extension program links people to information and resources – we identify knowledge gaps, extend what is already known, pursue research and technology development opportunities with our partners to fill gaps, and foster solution-focused dialogue on issues in managing natural resources information.

What is Information Management Extension?
The goal of the Information Management Extension Program is to improve awareness, knowledge, skills, and application of information management and knowledge sharing strategies, tools, and technologies. FORREX assesses the current state of knowledge and associated gaps through formal needs analyses, working groups and client feedback. We also review needs analyses performed by other organizations.

Information Management Learning Goals and Outcomes:
We aim to:

• improve awareness and access to current information resources, expertise, initiatives, and learning opportunities
• enhance skills, knowledge, and capacity to manage, share, and disseminate information and knowledge
• increase understanding of issues relating to managing data and indigenous knowledge
• establish an innovative learning and knowledge management culture

With the collaboration of our partners and network of volunteers, our extension activities include:

• Identifying gaps in knowledge, skills, information, and technological capacity
• Fostering the establishment of and timely access to information resources and expertise
• Developing, delivering, or facilitating extension programming and/or collaborative research ventures to meet identified needs and fill gaps
• Facilitating co-operation and partnerships between organizations for effective exchange of natural resources information
• Providing strategic assistance and ongoing capacity building to organizations interested in implementing information management and knowledge-sharing activities
• Developing and conducting Information Management program and project evaluations

Fostering Collaborative Partnerships: - Researchers & Scientists - Librarians & Information Managers - Policy & Decision Makers - Environmental Informatics Community - Information Architects & Developers - Industry Practitioners & Operations - First Nations & Environmental Groups - Data Cataloguers & Custodians - Associated Interest Groups

Knowledge Management: - Knowledge Management  - Information Architecture - Metadata Development & Exchange - Library & Archive Development  - Information Resource Management - Environmental Informatics - Web Communications & Management - E-learning & Education Technologies - Indigenous & Ecological Knowledge

Topical Focus
With the collaboration of our partners and network of volunteers, the IM Extension Program provides learning and extension activities in the following areas:

• Information & Knowledge Management Basics
  - IM Extension Planning - Logic Modelling & Strategic Planning
  - Knowledge Management Basics
• Information Management Partnerships & Capacity Building
• Information Management & Technology Development
  - Information Management & Communications Tools
  - Web Architecture & Design
  - Digital Library Development
  - On-line Learning & Education Tools (E-Learning)
• Metadata Standards & Information Management Protocols
  - Metadata Development Training Program

We gratefully acknowledge the efforts of our volunteer Working Group in helping define our cluster's operational objectives and activities. View the list of current members of the Natural Resources Information Management Working Group.

Create an extension request
For further information on the extension program and the services we provide, please contact:

FORREX
Suite 400 - 235 1st Avenue
Kamloops, BC, V2C 3J4
Phone: (250) 371-3746
Fax: (250) 371-3997
Email: Society@forrex.org