Australian Government Information Interoperability Framework (pdf

2. A ‘create once, use many’ approach using authoritative sourcesof informationF O U R T H E E N A B L E R SWhere there is a repeated need for the same information across agencies, a ‘createonce, use many’ approach should be adopted. An authoritative source for the requiredinformation should be identified and utilised.By recognising and using single authoritative sources of information, the most reliableand current information can be accessed and re-used. This reduces the cost and burdenof information collection and storage and can result in an improvement in the qualityinformation.In order to establish authoritative sources of information, agencies must agree as towhich one holds prime responsibility as custodian for specific information. That agencymust then take responsibility for creating/collecting and maintaining information so thatother agencies can use it reliably to address agreed needs.Agencies should do the following:• Identify other potential users and uses of their information holdings and design, andmanage their information accordingly.• Consider entering into formal information supply/exchange agreements with otheragencies to support the best use of authoritative information sources.• Promote accessibility of authoritative information sources by adopting theAustralian Government Technical Interoperability Framework Standards andconstructing systems that allow information to be easily, reliably, and securelysupplied to other users.Information Interoperability Framework Sharing information across boundaries27