Community information and advice services in Aberdeen: a survey of provision and a study of interagency cooperation.

Kohn, Paul

Abstract

The study examines interagency cooperation among Aberdeen advice agencies by describing the activities of 'Link Up' - an umbrella group comprising mainly neighbourhood advice offices, which was active in 1979-81. It concludes that, while 'Link Up' was far from wholly successful, it was effective in information sharing, training and as a pressure group. The study recommends that a similar grouping be set up, supported by a centralised and relatively well-resourced agency; and further, that a second grouping of 'Access' agencies be formed, to share and disseminate community information. The formation of a law centre is also recommended. At a national level, the study recommends that any provision of a network of support for advice services should pay particular attention to the needs of neighbourhood advice centres. The study is supported by a survey of the main information and advice providers in Aberdeen, conducted in 1979-80. Special attention has been paid to a description of the neighbourhood advice offices. It is further supported by a review of a selection of the literature of advice provision in the UK in the 1970's, which considers, inter alia: the available evidence of interagency cooperation, the role of law centres, neighbourhood advice offices, community workers and the Home Office's Community Development Project. Also considered are the responses made by librarians to the development of 'community information services', and the role and potential of mass media, telecommunications technology and computers. The value of survey and 'action research' techniques for studying advice agencies is assessed.

Citation

KOHN, P. 1984. Community information and advice services in Aberdeen: a survey of provision and a study of interagency cooperation. Robert Gordon's Institute of Technology, MPhil thesis. Hosted on OpenAIR [online]. Available from: https://doi.org/10.48526/rgu-wt-1993290

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Jun 27, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Jun 27, 2023
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.48526/rgu-wt-1993290
• Keywords: Community advice; Citizen's advice; Public information provision; Aberdeen (Scotland)
• Public URL: https://rgu-repository.worktribe.com/output/1993290
• Additional Information: The file attached to this record contains both volumes of this thesis. Volume 2 begins on page 417.
• Award Date: Dec 31, 1984