The Changing Information Environment :: Technology Technological Essays

The Changing Information EnvironmentThe phrase, null is permanent except interpolate itself certainly applies when it comes to technology. In the past 10 years, because of alternates in technology, expectations about providing and accessing learning have lurchd dramatically. Instead of waiting to own instruction from a provider or making a voyage to the library, the current assumption is that information will be instantly on tap(predicate) through the Internet. Previously, an intermediary such as a librarian may have performed the service of selecting information, but now the user is faced with winnowing through and selecting the most relevant material from what frequently is an information glut. Although just about individuals are comfortable with and relish the changing information environment, others may be struggling with understanding and managing the changes. Once change was incremental and meant more of the same, just now better. Today, however, we are experiencin g discontinuous change in many areas of life. Discontinuous change makes it unacceptable to predict with any confidence what will happen, so it does non guarantee more of the same (Handy 1991, cited in Edwards and Walton 1998). The movement of information resources from inbred library holdings to external, electronically accessible materials represents both an incremental and discontinuous change (Edwards and Walton 1998). The information is still available (i.e., more of the same, only better), but the freshly information environment places new demands on the information user. These demands make it impossible to predict whether the information sought will be acquired, how useful the information will be, and so forth. Although these same issues may have existed before, a acquainted(predicate) information provider could then be consulted for assistance. Many websites offer conflict information for assistance or further information but the shade of this assistance, its timeline ss, and so forth are unknown. Understanding the changes that are occurring in the information environment can help reduce the uncertainty that accompanies change. From the users perspective, some of the uncertainties tycoon be the extent to which they should become dependent on technology for information, the changes in their roles related to accessing and selecting information, and possible feelings of inadequacy related to understanding and keeping up with the technology. Rather than reacting negatively, individuals can adopt a perspective that changes are ultimately productive and beneficial. Adopting this perspective can help in gaining a wizard of control over the changes, especially the rate at which electronic systems change and the fact that some aspects of the new electronic environment are ill-advised (ibid.