Statistical data dissemination: The experience of the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean

Abstract

This paper examines the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean's (ECLAC) statistical data collection, compilation, and dissemination experience. A descriptive introduction to the Caribbean data environment and its economic, social, technological, and political backdrops is provided. The problem of collecting comparable statistics is examined in terms of goals and constraints. An attempt to modernize the dissemination of statistics on the Caribbean through ECLAC's Selected Statistical Indicators in two formats is presented as an example, and the architecture of the system is examined and the versatility of its output is evaluated. Looking to the future, the paper explores two future data presentation formats that will result in a more comprehensive and efficient data delivery. The discussion of publications is really one on database design, construction, maintenance, and access. This being the case, the paper addresses the questions of cost recovery, information delivery/access cost, and user interface. The paper acknowledges the continuing necessity to produce improved hard copy, but views hard copy as the future low end of the dissemination process.