What is an Information Advocate?

Since this is a discussion to plan a network of neighborhood-based information advocates, it might be good to define what an information advocate is. My vote is for an information advocate to be a person. A live human being who practices the art and science of helping other people by recording and finding information.

The Advocate might be a librarian. But, that level of sophistication should not be necessary. It should be possible for ordinary people to assume the role of neighborhood information advocate.

Top on my list of skills the Information Advocate should possess is being a great listener. The Advocate should be able to help people by understanding them. That will always require patience and good listening. More about the characteristics of a good Information Advocate in upcoming entries.