NGO Information Management

This article was originally drafted by Jennifer L. Tavis for the NGO Handbook.

One of the biggest operational challenges faced by organizations today is information management. No matter what your organization does, you can’t operate without collecting, storing, sharing, and archiving information.

There is a dizzying array of information technology available to help you work more efficiently, but if you don’t know how to select and use technology effectively, you can end up with tools that create problems rather than resolving them. Also, the fact that you can automate everything doesn’t necessarily mean that you should. Tried and true information management tools like ledger books and filing cabinets still have their place, even in today’s high-tech world. In order to select the right tools, you need to understand your needs, to research tools and solutions, to weigh costs and benefits, to ensure that the end users are comfortable with your choices, and to arrange for maintenance and support.

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