Social network analysis (SNA) is the most appropriate scientific approach to analyzing community networks and inter-organizational collaboration.  The Center has used SNA with community collaborative projects to understand the levels and changes in relationships and collaboration.  This approach provides information which contributes to improvement in community collaborative relationships over time among providers in communities serving specific needs.  In projects for which improved or increased community collaboration is a goal, social network analysis measures can be used as outcome indicators or performance measures.  Network analysis can identify the relative importance and interaction patterns of members as determined by those participating in the network.  In addition to reporting key measures of a network, computerized graphic depictions of connections based on these measures are also mapped to provide a visual illustration.