"...in the midst of a real crisis."

In Karen Markey's book, "Online Searching : A Guide to Finding Quality Information Efficiently and Effectively," she writes about an "information explosion" in the 1960s during the Cold War when there was an urgency for information. The Cold War was a geopolitical struggle about military might, and attempts to gain an understanding of the other side's strategies and technological advances. The Cold War may be over now, but the demand for information still remains in our fast-paced world.

I remember when my parents finally got rid of dial-up internet (insert the "you've. got. mail." voice). I could not believe that we could surf the web AND use the phone at the same time, haha. I loved feeling like I had access to almost everything: videos, images, and tons of websites. Today, of course, most of us use cell phones or we ask Alexa when we need something, and we sometimes take that access to information for granted. While access to information makes us feel free, I am realizing more and more that sincere urgency for information often comes in the midst of a real crisis.

Think of the last time that you felt a sense of urgency for information. Maybe a colleague left your office: "Could we have done anything to convince you to stay? Did we do something wrong?" Maybe you got some tough news about your health: "How did we get here? What can I do to improve?" Maybe you had a big test and felt that you had to stay up really late to study as much information as possible to be successful. 

As a data research analyst in a DEI office, I am at the forefront of the information age, but my role goes beyond collecting information. I'm mining it for valuable insights that can inform policies, practices, and initiatives. I must harness the power of this information to tell authentic stories and drive change for students, staff, faculty, and community partners. In many scenarios (dare I say, most scenarios), the urgency for information is palpable, but that urgency can be mitigated with proper preparation. I wish that we would not take advantage of access to information. I wish that we would set time aside to gather information in advance and keep abreast of the changes and trends in the world around us. I'm guilty too!

Due to the nature of my role, I don't always get to see the best of people, but I need to remember to be patient and show grace. The urgency of information is real, and sometimes, we cannot avoid it. But how can we do a better job of preparing?