Bozeman and Bozeman (1989) discuss local government use of federal statistics. They indicate that incompatibility of data obtained from multiple sources; dissimilarity of data collection efforts between state, local, and federal agencies; and a reduction in funds and an increase in responsibility as problems in local government use of federal statistics. They further indicate that the federal government can take steps to increase the utility of federal statistics to local governments. For example, the provision of resources and technical assistance to local government in answering their questions about data structures, a move toward maximum uniformity of definitions and procedures, devotion of more resources to small areas and categories, consideration of a quinquennial census, and the provision of assistance for the implementation of geocoded systems are suggested as mechanisms that the federal government can use to increase local government use of federally-developed information.

While much research focuses on information technology in public organizations, another stream of research focuses on how policy makers select and use information in policy deliberations. Bretschneider and Gorr (1992) describe the forecasting process in government by extending an existing model used to explain forecast accuracy to include a series of complex factors related to the potential political and policy use of state sales tax revenue forecasts. The factors include economic uncertainty, political influence, and organizational designs for forecasting. Bretschneider and Schroeder (1988) propose an approach to evaluating commercial economic forecasts for use in local government budgeting.

Kowlowitz and Kelly (1997) emphasize the need for the integration of electronic records management mechanisms into the design and development of government information systems. They indicate that many organizations lack adequate tools to manage the growing number of electronic records and that some organizations are in danger of losing access to records stored in personal computers, e-mail boxes, or personal local area network directories while others face the challenge of linking documents created in different forms and formats to business transactions. From an archival perspective, which focuses on long-term organizational and societal needs, these problems may result in the loss of records of enduring value. They present preliminary versions of practical tools to support the identification and implementation of records management requirements in system design and development.