Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
Table 3.1
How the Emergent Paradigm has Changed Library and Information Services
Old Paradigm
Emergent Paradigm
Complex
Advancements in technology have produced
a variety of methods for recording, mass-pro-
ducing, and disseminating information.
Simple
Materials and processes were simple, manual,
and understandable.
Heterarchy
Lines of authority are unclear. Technology
has enabled individuals to circumvent hier-
archical structures, providing much freedom
of expression.
Hierarchy
The organizations in the processes were clearly
organized with a hierarchical structure.
Holographic
With the advancement of technology and ap-
plication of digitization, visual information
could be three-dimensional, opening new av-
enues for expressing ideas.
Mechanical
Processes for recording, mass-production, dis-
semination, and use of information used manual
or simple machinery.
Indeterminate
The world is complex, and solutions are like-
wise complex; furthermore, many problems
have no definite solutions, and “facts” change
as new discoveries reveal new insights.
Determinate
Solutions for problems could be concrete, ex-
plained, and certain. Facts were known and re-
mained stable.
Linearly causal
Just as solutions to problems could be explained,
causes and effects also were direct and easily
seen.
Mutually causal
Complex problems or issues usually have
many causes that interact. Cause and effect
are not easily explained.
Perspective
In the new paradigm, recognition is given to
the notion that humans harbor a unique per-
spective on their perceptions of information.
Objectivity is not possible.
Objective
Objectivity suggests the observation of informa-
tion without bias.
Analog
Processes for creating, mass-producing, dissem-
inating information were mechanical and used
relatively simple technologies. Information was
printed manually or mechanically on paper or
other material.
Digital
Processes are digital, applying computer-
aided technologies in all of the information
transfer processes. These technologies en-
able the transformation of the information
transfer processes.
Evolution of the Information Infrastructure
The information infrastructure includes many components, as noted in our
definition in Chapter 1:
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