THE SHIFT IN INFORMATION SEEKING AND INFORMATION MYTHS

THE SHIFT IN INFORMATION SEEKING AND INFORMATION MYTHS Introduction The lesson was based much on information behavior and literacy in education, which means effectively finding, evaluating, organizing, using, and communicating information while also understanding the information environment and one's role within it. We also learned that there is a need to focus on users when conducting research since it enables the creation of products and services that solve real user problems and meet actual needs for the users. In the process of a lesson Prof. Chawinga explained eight myths troubles about information behaviour and information systems. 1. Only ‘objective’ information is valuable https://youtu.be/iwJnUaTXuDU?si=qbHg9z0-P9SC9sAk He explained that subjective information is crucial for human decision-making and understanding. People often rely on informal sources (like friends and family), personal experiences, and emotions when seeking and using information, not just objective facts. 2. More information is always better. https://youtu.be/N4wJNApYtcY He also mentioned that emergence of information technologies has had a profound impact on the accessibility of large amounts of information. Individuals can often struggle with the abundance of information and the numerous sources available for finding solutions to their problems 3. Objective information can be transmitted out of context https://youtu.be/R8PRH2WcdrY Furthermore, he said that here the idea is that objective information (facts, data) can be simply moved from one place to another without loss of meaning, in reality, when information is separated from its original context (e.g., the purpose for its creation, the source's background, the surrounding data, the intended audience), it becomes difficult to interpret correctly. 4. Information can only be acquired through formal sources In addition, he clarified that statement that "information can only be acquired through formal sources is a belief, not a fact, and in the context of misinformation behaviour literacy in education, it represents a limiting and potentially dangerous misconception that is a target for correction. 5. There is relevant information for every need. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tYsGvfri9q4 He stated that information literacy education equips individuals with the skills to find, evaluate, and use information that is relevant to their specific, personal needs, whether for research, problem-solving, or acquiring knowledge. It acknowledges that information needs are highly individual and can vary greatly depending on a person's context, circumstances, and specific goals. 6. Every need situation has a solution. https://youtu.be/kGexLUctMaM?t=79 In Information behaviour literacy in education, the idea that every need situation has a solution is identified as a common misconception or myth. The true meaning within the field is that we should not assume a pre-packaged or simple solution always exists in formal information systems like libraries or the internet. Instead, it highlights: 7. It is always possible to make information available or accessible. https://youtu.be/TLH1-uUEg6A In the context of Information behavior and information literacy in education, the statement It is always possible to make information available or accessible is considered a myth or dubious assumption. https://wchawinga.blogspot.com/