IRMA 102: Introduction to Information Science

1. IRMA 102:Introduction to Information Science OkoroObinna Jeremiah Information Resources Management Department 08160510169 obi4uk@yahoo.com Office: Information Resources Centre…(BBS)

2. THE INFORMATION SOCIETY

3. Intro…. • Information is critical and vital in every society. • It has become a critical resource needed for the survival of any given society.

4. Information is dominating  • In countries of many different kinds information now plays an increasingly important part in economic, social, cultural and political life. • This phenomenon is taking place regardless of a country’s size, state of development or political philosophy.

5. Evolution of the Information Age/Society • Agricultural Age: • The period up to the 1800s, when the majority of workers were farmers whose lives revolved around agriculture.

6. Industrial Age: • The period from the 1800s to 1957, when work processes were simplified through mechanization and automation.

7. …Information Age… • Information Age: • The period that began in 1957, in which the majority of workers are involved in the creation, distribution, and application of information. • Knowledge Workers: Workers involved in the creation, distribution, and application of information.

9. Definition • Martin (1995) “Information Society is a society characterized by rapid growth and use of information, widespread exploitation of varied information sources; a society where people know and appreciate what information they need, where to get it, how to get the information, and in the end, how to use it.”

10. Definition… • A new type of society, where the possession of information (and not material wealth) is the driving force behind its transformation and development […] (and where) human intellectual creativity flourishes. (Yoneji Masuda)

11. “A new type of society in which humanity has the opportunity to lead a new way of life, to have a higher standard of living, accomplish better work, and to play a better role in society thanks to the global use of information and telecommunication technologies.” (Béla Murányi)

12. Definition by Webster (2002) • It is possible to identify 5 ways of distinguishing an information society. • Technological (technological innovation and diffusion); • Economic (economic value); • Occupational (occupational change | knowledge worker); • Spatial (space | information flows); • Cultural (the expansion of symbols and signs).

13. 3 Main Characteristics of Information Societies • First, information is used as an economic resource. • Organizations are using information to: • increase their efficiency, • stimulate innovation, and • increase their effectiveness and competitive position.

14. 2nd characteristic… • Secondly, it is possible to identify greater use of information among the general public. • People use information more intensively in their activities as consumers: • to inform their choices between different products, • to explore their entitlements to public services, • exercise their civil rights and responsibilities, and • to take greater control over their own lives.

15. 3rd characteristic… • The third characteristic of information societies is the development of an information sector within the economy. • The function of the information sector is to satisfy the general demand for information facilities and services.