So. . . . .this blog is about the dissemination of information, hence the name, Info-nation. We are a nation of information highways, a vast network of communication channels and portals that make information available to mass audiences or to more select groups of individuals. On this blog we will discuss issues and processes surrounding this information dissemination, and hopefully come to a better understanding of this important topical subject.
Perhaps first, we should define "information". Information can be defined as "organized data", according to Harland Cleveland (1985), as mentioned in the textbook by Greer, Grover, and Fowler (2007). In this definition, data is raw fact, divorced from context and meaning. When data is organized into meaningful information, then people can understand it and gain benefit from it.The dissemination of this information is its distribution - the methods, channels, or procedures that make information available to people. This would include places like libraries, and formats like CD-rom. Even people themselves can be a channel for dissemination. On this blog we will discuss the various channels or methods, the role of technology in dissemination, the effect of new methods on the veracity and integrity of information, current issues in information science vis-a-vis dissemination, and pros and cons of the various formats.
References:
Cleveland, H. (1985). The knowledge executive:
leadership in an information society.
New York:Truman Talley Books/E.P. Dutton.
Greer, R.C., Grover, R.J., and Fowler, S.G. (2007).
Introduction to the library and information professions.
Westport, CT: Libraries Unlimited.
Monday, April 14, 2008
One Last Thought
For the sake of completeness, I feel like I should say a word about another aspect of the information transfer cycle, called diffusion. Dissemination doesn't involve learning or understanding on the part of the recipient. It is simply the distribution of information, making it available. Although this dissemination has grown considerably due to computer technology, and recipients gather information without help in multiple locations through PCs, PDAs, lap-tops, cell-phones, etc., the library still remains an important location for disseminating information. As a corollary, the advances in technology haven't reduced the need for librarians to help patrons and end-users understand and access information.
The process of learning and understanding information is called diffusion. It becomes personal knowledge and you make it your "own" during this process. Librarians, now more than ever, have to play the role of educator and technology advocate as part of this diffusion process. Many library patrons need help in using the computers that all libraries now have available, and most public libraries have various free classes on using computers and databases. There are many variations on this theme, particular to each type of library and patron demographics, and it is beyond the scope of this blog to address this more specifically here.
An introductory class on the Internet is perhaps the most common "diffusion" activity for public librarians. I taught one of these classes in a public library once, and it was gratifying to be able to reach out and help people who didn't know where to start. Just making the computers available isn't always enough. I would like to mention here that I used an excellent book by William Hollands as a guide (Hollands, 1999). He provides a framework for teaching Internet workshops in libraries. Even though it might sound old, being published in 1999, it is still one of the best books of its type available, and I recommend it to any librarian looking for guidance in teaching Internet workshops.
The degree to which librarians are involved in diffusion varies, depending on the type of library. School librarians, or media specialists, and academic librarians, play more of an educator role than public librarians. However, to whatever degree involved, librarians and information specialists play a crucial role not only in disseminating information, but in making sure the information is absorbed and learned in a diffusion process.
References:
Hollands, W.D. (1999). Teaching the Internet to library
staff and users: 10 ready-to-go workshops that work.
New York: Neal-Schuman Publishers, Inc.
The process of learning and understanding information is called diffusion. It becomes personal knowledge and you make it your "own" during this process. Librarians, now more than ever, have to play the role of educator and technology advocate as part of this diffusion process. Many library patrons need help in using the computers that all libraries now have available, and most public libraries have various free classes on using computers and databases. There are many variations on this theme, particular to each type of library and patron demographics, and it is beyond the scope of this blog to address this more specifically here.
An introductory class on the Internet is perhaps the most common "diffusion" activity for public librarians. I taught one of these classes in a public library once, and it was gratifying to be able to reach out and help people who didn't know where to start. Just making the computers available isn't always enough. I would like to mention here that I used an excellent book by William Hollands as a guide (Hollands, 1999). He provides a framework for teaching Internet workshops in libraries. Even though it might sound old, being published in 1999, it is still one of the best books of its type available, and I recommend it to any librarian looking for guidance in teaching Internet workshops.
The degree to which librarians are involved in diffusion varies, depending on the type of library. School librarians, or media specialists, and academic librarians, play more of an educator role than public librarians. However, to whatever degree involved, librarians and information specialists play a crucial role not only in disseminating information, but in making sure the information is absorbed and learned in a diffusion process.
References:
Hollands, W.D. (1999). Teaching the Internet to library
staff and users: 10 ready-to-go workshops that work.
New York: Neal-Schuman Publishers, Inc.
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