Study Notes for INFS 111: Information in Society - Session 1

INFS 111 Information in Society: Session 1 – Definition and Types of Information

Session Overview

  • The vast amount of information in contemporary society is akin to the air we breathe.
  • Individuals confront information daily in both conscious and unconscious ways.
  • Central Inquiry: What constitutes "information"? This session focuses on definitions and classifications of information that will be foundational for future discussions.

Session Objectives

By the conclusion of this session, participants should be able to:

  • Grasp the concept of information.
  • Differentiate various types of information.
  • Recognize different sources of information.

Session Outline

  • Topic One: What Is Information?
  • Topic Two: Public Domain Information
  • Topic Three: Private Information
  • Topic Four: Personal Information
  • Topic Five: Sources of Information

Reading List

  1. Aina, L.O. (2004). Library and Information Science Text for Africa. Ibadan, Nigeria: Third World Information Services Ltd.
  2. Alemna, A. A. (1998). Information in African Society. Information Development, Vol. 14, No. 2, pp. 69-72.
  3. Alemna, A.A. (2005). African Information Society Initiative (AISI): Opportunities, Challenges and the Way Forward. Legon Journal for International Affairs, Vol. 2, No. 2, pp. 13-14.

Topic One: What Is Information?

Defining Information

  • More than 400 definitions of information exist across various disciplines (Yuexiao, 1988).
  • Porat (1977:2): Information is data that has been organized and communicated.
  • Machlup and Mansfield (1983): Information serves to:
    • Increase the state of knowledge of a recipient.
    • Resolve uncertainty.
    • Provide value in decision-making.
  • Derr (1985:498): Information is viewed as a record of resolved uncertainty.

Additional Definitions

  • Paisley (quoted in Haies, 1992:272): Information constitutes any stimulus that alters cognitive structure in the receiver. Familiar content does not qualify as new information.
  • International Standards Organization (ISO): Information represents the meaning assigned to data through human conventions used in their representations.
  • Debons, Horne, and Cronen (1988:8): Information manifests as a cognitive state of awareness (being informed), appearing in physical forms (data). This representation aids the knowledge acquisition process.
  • Buckland (1991): Identifies three aspects of information:
    1. Process
    2. Knowledge
    3. Thing
  • McLeod and Schell (2007:9): Information serves as meaningful data processing.
  • Beynon-Davies (2009:6): Information is data coupled with sense-making. It is contingent upon and inseparable from the inferences made from the data.

The Information Pyramid

  • The Information Pyramid conceptualizes the evolution of information from symbols to wisdom:
    • Data: Raw facts, figures, signals, measurements.
    • Information: Structured data that is contextualized and useful.
    • Knowledge: Integrated understanding, actionable insights derived from information.
    • Wisdom: The application of knowledge for improved decision-making.

Diagrams

  1. Diagram 1 of the Information Pyramid: Symbol progression to wisdom:
    • Wisdom → Knowledge → Information → Data → Symbols
  2. Diagram 2 of descriptors: Components and implications within the pyramid, including terms like actionable, accumulated, context, etc.

Categories of Information

Tangible Information

  • Considered as a physical entity.
  • Represents objects that can be seen and touched, e.g., documents.
  • Can appear in formats like books, periodicals, newspapers, digital records, etc.

Intangible Information

  • Conceptualized as processes or knowledge.
  • Abstractive form of information functionally transmitting knowledge to reduce uncertainty.

Sample Question

  • From the previous definitions, how would you interpret "information" to a layman?
  • Explain the relationship among symbols, data, information, knowledge, and wisdom.

Topic Two: Public Domain Information

Definition of Public Domain Information (PDI)

  • Public Domain Information refers to information accessible to the general public under normal legal and commercial circumstances.
  • PDI can be acquired and utilized in various forms.
  • Examples include:
    • Data from private organizations performing public services (e.g., utilities).
    • Information regarding environmental threats, health issues, and human rights concerns.
    • Data indicating corruption.

Challenges in Accessing Public Domain Information

  • Financial constraints impacting access to resources.
  • Insufficient library and archives facilities.
  • Difficulties in obtaining electronic information.
  • High costs for online materials.
  • Limited internet accessibility.
  • Unstable power supplies hindering access.

Solutions for Accessing Public Domain Information

  • Libraries, archives, and information centers play a crucial role in mitigating access issues concerning PDI, particularly for individuals financially unable to acquire books and resources.

The Public Library

  • Central to the discussion of PDI as they serve whole communities without regard to individuals' statuses.
  • Often termed the "poor man’s university," enabling self-education and community improvement.
  • Public libraries offer free internet access.

Uses of Public Libraries

  • Recreational reading.
  • Access to periodicals, reports, and government publications for research purposes.
  • Information retrieval for specific needs.

Sample Question

  • Reflect on your experiences in libraries (school or public). Identify problems faced during your visits.
  • From the discussion, outline the key roles played by public libraries.

Topic Three: Private Information

Definition of Private Information

  • Information designated for restricted access, not meant for public consumption.
  • Examples include:
    • Marketing intelligence gathered by firms.
    • Proprietary information related to product development by corporations.

Reasons for Maintaining Private Information

  • Competitive advantages over rivals.
  • Substantial financial and time investments involved.
  • Research findings may have negative implications regarding products.
  • Necessity for commercial confidentiality.

Government and Private Information

  • Ongoing debate about governmental control of private information:
    • Arguments Against Government Holding Private Information:
      • Advocated by human rights and freedom of information proponents.
      • Disclosures enhance accountability.
    • Government Justifications for Keeping Information Private:
      • Security of state and sensitive operations.
      • Measures like oaths of secrecy to safeguard information.