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3 <br /> EXECUTIVE SUMMARY <br /> The information and referral project is designed to document the research <br /> findings of automated information and referral (I&R) services, in North Carolina and <br /> nationally, and to provide recommendations for an automated I&R service in Orange <br /> County. The primary purpose of an automated information and referral system is to <br /> enhance coordination and collaboration among service providers. An I&R system <br /> serves as a valuable resource to improve the overall efficiency and effectiveness of <br /> service delivery. The main function of an automated I&R system is to link people in <br /> need of services with the appropriate agencies or programs that can help them. <br /> Clients and service providers are better able to locate comprehensive, accurate, and <br /> up-to-date information about services and programs for Orange County citizens. <br /> In an effort to better understand how an I&R service could work best in <br /> Orange County, a research study was conducted using two methods: 1) surveys and <br /> 2) site visits/interviews. Surveys were mailed to 56 counties locally and nationally. In <br /> addition to the surveys, site visits were also conducted to provide an assessment of <br /> information and referral services in the following counties: Wake, Guilford, Durham, <br /> and Forsyth. Each visit consisted of an interview with the Information and Referral <br /> Director and an overall examination of the information and referral system currently <br /> being used. <br /> In addition to assessing information and referral efforts outside Orange <br /> County, it was equally as important to provide an assessment of information and <br /> referral efforts within the county. Most agencies in Orange County provide some <br /> form of information and referral for citizens. More specifically, the Orange County <br /> Public Library and the Department on Aging both provide a formalized information <br /> and referral service for service providers and citizens. By reviewing the I&R process <br /> in each of these agencies the county is better able to build upon and integrate what <br />