A short note on Information Life Cycle which is included in library and information science NTA UGC NET syllabus.
There is no well-defined definition of the terms ‘data’ and ‘information’ (Checkland & Howell, 1998).
The central idea is that data become information by a process of interpretation (Langefors, 1993).
According to Langefors it is necessary to define information as knowledge, since “information is knowledge and not physical signs” (Langefors, 1993, p. 113).
He regards information as knowledge structured in such a way that it is communicated. Because of this it can also be stored, which leads to information being stored knowledge.
1. Information Generation/Creation:
The first phase of the information lifecycle is the creation of Information which can be in any form like text, image, video etc.
2. Collection:
This information which is created is collected in an organised manner so that one can retrieve it easily and store it for prolonged use. In library context, information is collected and organised in a way that users can easily retrieve it when they need it.
3. Storage:
Once information created within the organisation, it needs to be stored and protected. A robust backup and recovery process should also be implemented to ensure retention of the information during the lifecycle. Information can be stored in libraries as physical/printed document or in digital libraries in non-printed formats like ebooks, pdf, docx, xml etc
4. Use:
This information is used as per user requirements when needed.
5. Dissemination:
Information is shared in a way that it reaches to maximum number of users. Information can be shared through social media, RSS feed, newsletters, newspaper clippings, e-mails, etc.
Refrences:
Mari;, R., 2022. LibGuides: Explore Information: The Information Lifecycle. [online] Guides.lib.uconn.edu. Available at: <https://guides.lib.uconn.edu/exploreinfo/infocycle> [Accessed 1 August 2022].