Information Literacy: Information Creation as a Process

Information in any format is produced to convey a message and is shared via a selected delivery method. The iterative processes of researching, creating, revising, and disseminating information vary, and the resulting product reflects these differences.

• Novice
  • Begin to recognize the significance of the creation process, leading them to increasingly sophisticated choices when matching information products with their information needs.
• Experts
  • The information creation process could result in a range of information formats and modes of delivery, so experts look beyond format when selecting resources to use. The unique capabilities and constraints of each creation process as well as the specific information need determine how the product is used.
  • Recognize that information creations are valued differently in different contexts, such as academia or the workplace.
  • Elements that affect or reflect on the creation, such as a pre- or post-publication editing or reviewing process, may be indicators of quality. The dynamic nature of information creation and dissemination requires ongoing attention to understand evolving creation processes.
  • . .  Look to the underlying processes of creation as well as the final product to critically evaluate the usefulness of the information.

Student Objectives

• ​The way information is shared changes the way it is created, and vice versa.

• Good information can come in any format. Every format has its benefits and drawbacks, including assumptions about quality and authority that may or may not be true.

• Formats are changing fast, and researchers have to keep up with how these new formats work so they can understand the information that comes out of them.

Thanks to C. Boeninger for these talking points. Boeninger, C. (2018). How Information Works. Ohio University Libraries. https://www.library.ohio.edu/services/for-faculty/how-information-works/