Evolving global information infrastructure and information transfer

This book explains the rapidly changing, complex flow of information in the context of 21st-century culture, policy, technology, and economics--an essential resource for librarians and information specialists in all types of settings.

The role of information professionals today is to interact creatively with clientele: to help them navigate the information infrastructure. Shattering the concept of the library as a place, Evolving Global Information Infrastructure and Information Transfer describes "the library" as transformed to a dynamic virtual presence in the information infrastructure, where people are the most important resources in a digital library or information center--not the collections.

Instead of focusing on specific technologies, which are always changing, this book examines the "big picture" of how information is created, recorded, mass produced, distributed, and utilized in society. This unique approach enables readers to better understand how they fit into this changing world, to envision their place in the digital age, and to assume a leadership role that ensures the success of their clients as well as themselves. This standout work is ideally suited for all types of librarians, educators, information workers, members of the research community, and policymakers in public and private sector organizations.

Author Notes

Robert J. Grover , MLS, PhD, is retired associate vice president for academic affairs and dean of graduate studies at Emporia State University, where he held the position of dean and professor of the School of Library and Information Management.

The late Roger C. Greer , PhD, MLS, was a creative thinker in the public and academic library professions for more than 50 years. He was dean emeritus of the School of Library and Information Management, University of Southern California; former dean at Syracuse University; and professor emeritus at Emporia State University.

Herbert K. Achleitner , MALS, PhD, is professor emeritus of the School of Library and Information Management, Emporia State University.

Kelly Visnak , PhD, is scholarly communication librarian at University of Wyoming, where she provides instruction, consultation, and policy support for issues related to fair use, copyright retention, open access, data management plans, and the library's digital scholarship repository.

In Memoriam	p. ix
Preface	p. xi
1 Introduction to the Book	p. 1
Chapter Overview	p. 1
Introduction to the Information Infrastructure	p. 1
Understanding the Digital Age	p. 3
An Emerging Participatory Culture	p. 4
Purpose of This Book	p. 4
Intended Audience	p. 5
Definition of Basic Terms	p. 6
Summary	p. 7
References	p. 8
2 Contemporary Society	p. 9
Chapter Overview	p. 9
Historical Roots of Contemporary Society	p. 9
Revolutionary Change in Contemporary Society	p. 10
An Analysis of Our Current Paradigm Shift	p. 10
Characteristics of the Emergent Paradigm	p. 13
The Environmental Context of Society	p. 16
Summary	p. 20
References	p. 21
3 How Paradigms Influence Society in the Information Age	p. 23
Chapter Overview	p. 23
Evolution of the Information Infrastructure	p. 24
Libraries Evolve within the Information Infrastructure	p. 36
Information Infrastructure Overview	p. 38
Summary	p. 45
References	p. 46
4 The Information Infrastructure	p. 49
Chapter Overview	p. 49
Defining Information Transfer	p. 49
The Information Transfer Processes Are Interactive	p. 56
The Blood and Vascular System Are a Metaphor	p. 58
Technology Enhances Information Transfer	p. 58
Other Environmental Influences	p. 59
Summary	p. 59
References	p. 60
5 How the Information Infrastructure Has Changed in the Digital Age	p. 61
Chapter Overview	p. 61
Creation of New Information and Knowledge	p. 62
Recording Information	p. 64
Reproduction of Information	p. 64
Dissemination	p. 65
Bibliographic Control	p. 66
Organization by Disciplines	p. 67
Diffusion: How It Is Central in the Digital Age	p. 68
Utilization	p. 70
Preservation	p. 70
Discarding	p. 71
The Information Infrastructure in the Digital Age	p. 71
Summary	p. 71
References	p. 72
6 Diffusion of Information and Knowledge: How Information Becomes Meaningful	p. 73
Chapter Overview	p. 73
The Difference between Dissemination and Diffusion	p. 73
How Information Becomes Personal Knowledge	p. 76
Individual Learners	p. 76
How Information Becomes Social Knowledge	p. 82
Influence of Culture on Diffusion	p. 84
Education in the Information Infrastructure	p. 85
How Education Contributes to Diffusion Theory	p. 88
Library and Information Professionals Promote Diffusion	p. 89
The Role of Learning Libraries	p. 91
Summary	p. 91
References	p. 92
7 Putting Knowledge to Use	p. 95
Chapter Overview	p. 95
Utilization in the Information Infrastructure	p. 95
Utilization Defined	p. 96
Social and Environmental Issues That Influence Utilization	p. 99
Individual Variables That Influence Utilization	p. 100
Utilizing Information and Knowledge in an Organization	p. 101
Summary	p. 106
References	p. 107
8 Navigating the Information Infrastructure	p. 109
Chapter Overview	p. 109
Overview of the Information Infrastructure	p. 109
Creation/Recording	p. 112
Mass Production	p. 113
Dissemination	p. 113
Information Organization	p. 114
Diffusion	p. 114
Utilization	p. 115
Preservation	p. 115
Discarding	p. 115
Summary	p. 116
9 The Library and Information Professions in the Information Infrastructure	p. 117
Chapter Overview	p. 117
The Value and Place of Information and Knowledge in Society	p. 117
The Functions of Information and Role of Professionals	p. 120
Emergent Paradigm Functions of Information	p. 128
Summary	p. 129
References	p. 129
10 Emerging Trends	p. 131
Chapter Overview	p. 131
Summary of Important Concepts	p. 131
Emerging Trends in Information Agencies	p. 134
Implications for LIS Education	p. 141
The Information Infrastructure in the Digital Age	p. 142
The Information Infrastructure in the Future	p. 144
Summary	p. 145
References	p. 145
Index	p. 147

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Table of Contents