Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter Overview
This chapter examines the role of today's library and information professionals as
they work within the emerging information infrastructure. In the digital age, informa-
tion and knowledge are valued as commodities, and the expertise that information
professionals offer enables the utilization of information for a variety of purposes:
research, education, culture, recreation, decision-making, and bibliographic or or-
ganization functions of information.
Technological advances have changed all of the functions of information. Inform-
ation professionals must be cognizant of new technologies and their impact on in-
formation agencies and their constituencies, so that strategic planning is possible.
Customizing information service for specific user groups is the vital role of
information professionals in the information infrastructure. These professionals
provide customized service by employing the service cycle described in Chapter 7:
diagnosing a need, prescribing appropriate information sources and services, im-
plementing the service, and evaluating the service. First, we'll take a closer look at
how the value and use of information has changed as the paradigm has shifted in
the digital age.
The Value and Place of Information and Knowledge in Society
Various sectors of the information professions add to the value and place of in-
formation and knowledge in society, recognizing similar and differing values, culture,
and research methods for their area of investigation; this includes the creation, dif-
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