As we start our adventure I would like you to begin to make sense of some of the basic terminology in the information studies field. We throw such words as data, information, and knowledge (among others around), but what do they mean? The readings for Session #3 offer several different views for your consideration.
Meadow, C.T. (1992). Text Information Retrieval Systems. Orlando: Academic Press. [Z699 .M413 1992] & [PAM] (Chapter 2)
This one will get you started, especially if you haven't thought about "information" in the past. It provides a relatively short and easy to read view of basic terminology.
Schement, J.R., & Ruben, B. (Eds.). (1993). Between Communication and Information. New Brunswick, NJ: Transaction Publishers. [HM221 .B47 1993] & [PAM] (Pp. 6-30)
For those who would like to develop a more detailed conceptualization of "information," this reading pursues connections with communication. Can "information" exist without "communication"?
Parsaye, K., & Chignell, M. (1988). Expert Systems for Experts. New York: Wiley. [PAM] (Pp. 119-136)
This selection moves from "information" to "knowledge" by addressing such issues as kinds, levels, and components of knowledge to help you distinguish the two concepts.
Return to INLS 150 Homepage