Focus-group participants painted a picture of nonprofits struggling with information overload and lacking the tools and time to efficiently manage learning and knowledge within their organization. They also address the immediate need to be accountable to funders and other stakeholders. If this is the case, then the picture becomes a bit brighter. Only when they are confident that these areas are sufficiently developed can they begin to think broadly about accessing information for other purposes. The picture brightens even more once we factor in the level of self-awareness among the participants.
Nonprofits are cognizant of the consequences of myopic learning.
They are also aware of the tremendous potential of information to improve their work and thus their communities. In other words, they are willing and potentially enthusiastic learners. This presents several opportunities to those who create and disseminate information to nonprofits. The first is to further investigate and test the best vehicles and products that will meet the current needs of nonprofits. We have an idea about the barriers facing nonprofits, but less information about specific tools and strategies that will complement their needs.