Information Behavior

Education

Nourishing Communities with Knowledge: A Culinary Analogy Revisited

When teaching brand new doctoral students in library and information science (LIS), much discussion is dedicated to theories, paradigms, and the distinctions, and divides, between library science and information science. After reading Marcia Bates’ iconic article, The invisible substrate of information science (1999), a student asked: How do I explain what I do to others? How do I describe the relationship between data, information, and knowledge? 

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FeaturedOpinion

Can AI Have a Conscience? A Look at Ethics in Machine Learning

Can AI have a conscience? Of course, today’s AI isn’t a sentient being with feelings or guilt. It won’t lose sleep over a tough decision. But as artificial intelligence plays a bigger role in our lives, we do expect it to act responsibly. In essence, we want AI to follow ethical principles,  a sort of programmed “conscience” so that it helps society without harming it. This is the crux of AI ethics, an increasingly important topic now that machine learning systems are making decisions that matter.

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The Embodied Cognition and Experience Measurement Commons: Transforming Human Information Behavior Research

Wuhan University has led the way in designing and developing a transformative research facility, the Embodied Cognition and Experience Measurement Commons (ECEMC). It integrates state-of-the-art digital technologies to redefine experimental paradigms of information behavior research. The physical space of the ECEMC comprises three functional areas, each powered by distinct technological frameworks.

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FeaturedTranslation

Health Information Without Borders: The Struggles and Strategies of Older Chinese Adults in Canada

Have you ever struggled to find the right health information, unsure of where to turn or what advice to trust? For many older Chinese adults in Canada, this challenge is even greater. They often face situations such as navigating a complex healthcare system, overcoming language barriers, and balancing traditional health beliefs with Western medical practices. These challenges can impact how they make health decisions and their overall well-being. Through in-depth interviews with 20 older Chinese adults in Canada, our research explores various factors related to how they seek and use health information. What did we uncover? Join us as we delve into their stories and the broader implications for health equity in Canada.

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Translation

Educated Perception: How What We See is Shaped by What We Know (and What We Can Do About It)

An old adage, often attributed to French writer Anaïs Nin, suggests we don’t see things as they are we see things as we are. Using deceptively simple words, the saying suggests that seeing is not just a process where wavelengths are converted to electric impulses that are then processed by the brain in mysterious ways to create what we then believe to see but rather that seeing, to some significant extent, is also a socially shaped and conditioned process, which is why it is relevant to information behavior research.

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Professional Development

Level Up Your InfoScience Path: Build Powerful Networks for Lifelong Learning

In today’s rapidly evolving field of information science (IS), continuous learning is no longer optional, it’s essential. But keeping up with the latest trends and developments can feel overwhelming if you go it alone. That’s where the power of supportive networks comes in. By cultivating a network of mentors, colleagues, and fellow lifelong learners, you can create a dynamic learning environment that fuels your professional growth.

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FeaturedTranslation

Misinformation, Disinformation, or Information Crafting?

As many countries, including Australia, Canada, and the U.S., regularly welcome immigrants with diverse backgrounds, it is essential to understand whether immigrants moving to a new country can make informed decisions by consulting formal information agencies such as the immigration ministry. What information sources do immigrants consult to gather information about their life in a new country? How helpful are they in making informed decisions about life in their host country? What information is shared with immigrants by formal information agencies such as the immigration consultants?

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