Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter Overview
The purpose of this topic is to unravel the complexity of the information infra-
structure to help librarians and other information professionals in their role as navig-
ators. In this chapter we explain how our model of the information infrastructure can
be a guide for navigating the vast information infrastructure and for helping clien-
tele to evaluate information, to find meaning, and to use information effectively. We
examine different functions of information and provide examples of an information
professional's role in this dynamic digital environment in which we live.
Overview of the Information Infrastructure
Information professionals are knowledgeable of the information transfer pro-
cesses, and their role is to diagnose information needs of individuals and groups
and to prescribe information sources and services to address those needs. In the
diagnostic process, the information professional must be able to assess the inform-
ation resources at each of the stages of the information transfer process and to
assist the information consumer to select the appropriate information for her pur-
poses. In so doing, the information professional is helping the information consumer
to make sense of the information in order to utilize it; the information professional
is facilitating the diffusion and utilization of information. To enable information pro-
fessionals to be successful guides to the information infrastructure, we will use the
information infrastructure guide that is outlined here in Table 8.1.
Table 8.1
Information Infrastructure Guide
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