Canadian Government Information Locator Service (GILS): An evaluation of the presentation, accuracy, and completeness of GILS records

This paper examines the implementation of a Government information Locator System (GILS) in Canada. GILS is an information resource that provides stan dard information about other information resources and provides assistance in obtaining the information. Based on the U.S. model, the first phase of t he Canadian GILS pilot project was implemented in 1996-1997. In this study, an evaluation of the Canadian GILS records from the pilot project was carr ied out in summer 1997 A random sample of records was drawn and was compare d against standards for the ideal presentation and content of records. The evaluation found weaknesses in the presentation of GILS records, but these could be easily improved. The problems with content are less easily resolve d. Value-added information, such as an abstract and controlled subject term s were not provided, limiting the usefulness of the record. Two areas for f uture research are identified: research into user expectations for GILS esp ecially with respect to the kinds of information resources to which users w ould want access: and, resources into the optimal set of metadata elements required to represent information resources.