Framing information literacy as information practice: site ontology and practice theory

2010 ◽  
Vol 66 (2) ◽  
pp. 245-258 ◽  
Author(s):  
Annemaree Lloyd

PurposeInformation literacy is a rich and complex social information practice that is constructed according to specific practical understandings, rules and teleoaffective features which characterise a social site or setting. This paper aims to explore the philosophical and theoretical perspective of practice theory, in particular, the ontological work of Schatzki. These perspectives are to be used to frame an understanding of the features of information literacy as sociocultural practice.Design/methodology/approachA theoretical perspective is introduced to examine the concept of information literacy practice by framing this analysis through a site ontology developed by Schatzki. Sociocultural and practice theory are employed in this exploration of information literacy as sociocultural practice and provide a framework for architecture of information literacy practice.FindingsInformation literacy can be understood as a critical information practice which is organised and arranged through the site of the social, rather than as a reified and decontexualised set of skills.Research limitations/implicationsFraming information literacy research through site ontology and the use of a practice perspective has implications for further research into information literacy and for the development of pedagogic practices related to information literacy instructionOriginality/valueThe paper offers an alternate way of framing information literacy by introducing the concepts related to practice theory.

2015 ◽  
Vol 71 (5) ◽  
pp. 1029-1042 ◽  
Author(s):  
Annemaree Lloyd

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to introduce and explore the concept of information resilience. Design/methodology/approach – The concept of information resilience emerges from a qualitative study that explored the health information experience and information practices of resettling refugees. Semi-structured face-to-face interviews were employed and the data collected were analysed using an grounded theory approach. Findings – The present study describes information resilience as an outcome of information literacy practice. As an emerging concept information resilience has the potential to focus research attention towards the critical role that information and information practices such as information literacy have in supporting people whose knowledge bases, social networks and information landscapes have become disrupted during transition. Practical implications – Public libraries role in support the development of information resilience is considered. Social implications – The paper draws from a study of the health information experiences of refugees during resettlement (Lloyd, 2014). The concept of information resilience emerges as an outcome of information literacy practice, for people whose knowledge base has become disrupted; and, who because of this disruption, must engage with new information environments and construct new information landscapes to rebuild social capital and bridge the transition into a new community. Originality/value – Introduces the concept of information resilience as a focal point for investigating transition from an information studies perspective.


2016 ◽  
Vol 72 (4) ◽  
pp. 716-736 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eystein Gullbekk

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the aptness of “information literacy”, conceptualized as a socially contextualized phenomenon, for analyses of interdisciplinary scholarly communication. Design/methodology/approach – The paper presents a conceptual analysis. Two influential representatives of the social turn in the information literacy literature are taken as starting points: Annemaree Lloyd’s conceptualization of “information literacy practice”, and Jack Andersen’s conceptualization of information literacy as “genre knowledge”. Their positioning of information literacy as a socially contextualized phenomenon – by use of practice theories and rhetorical genre theory, respectively, – is analysed against an illustrative example of interdisciplinary scholarly communication. Findings – Conceptualizations by Lloyd and Andersen explain information literacy as socially contextualized in terms of stable norms and understandings shared in social communities. Their concepts have the potential of explaining changes and innovations in social practices including scholarly communication. If we combine genre-theoretical and practice-theoretical concepts – and accentuate the open-endedness of social practices and of genres – we can enhance the understanding of information literacy in settings of interdisciplinary scholarly communication where the actors involved lack shared conventions and assumptions. Originality/value – The paper suggests that the fluid features of social contexts should be accounted for in the information literacy literature. By combining genre-theoretical and practice-theoretical concepts in a novel way it offers such an account. It provides a useful framework for understanding the phenomenon of information literacy in interdisciplinary scholarly communication.


2014 ◽  
Vol 70 (3) ◽  
pp. 346-363 ◽  
Author(s):  
Trine Schreiber

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyze the ways to practice the written assignment in a university setting in the context of information literacy and in perspective of Schatzki's practice theory. Design/methodology/approach – The analysis is based on both a qualitative in-depth study involving individual interviews with students from higher education and the practice theoretical perspective. Findings – By analyzing informants’ negotiations of the “acceptable” way to perform the written assignment practice, a configuration of the particular practice has been made. In perspective of Schatzki's practice theory, a study into information literacy involves focussing on the changing character of the activities performing the practice in question. In this paper the changing character is analyzed by comparing the configuration of the written assignment practice with a description of the genre of scientific articles. The paper draws the conclusion that the configuration consists of both regular and irregular occurrences. Job orientation and use of social media seemed to influence the written assignment practice as it was performed by the informants. Originality/value – This paper contributes to research into information literacy in educational settings by proposing an analysis based on Schatzki's theory combined with concepts of routinization, reflexivity, and genre.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hendi Yogi Prabowo

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to propose a new analytical framework in examining corruption from the social ontology perspective by using the Schatzkian practice theory to assess the interconnectedness among social practices constituting the social reality. Design/methodology/approach This exploratory paper is part of the author’s study to assess the complex corruption phenomenon in Indonesia from multiple perspectives to gain a better understanding of its nature and dynamics. By drawing from the existing literature on the Schatzkian practice theory, the COVID-19 pandemic and the corruption phenomenon, this study investigates the potential changes of the new constellation of practice-arrangement bundles within the social reality and how such changes may alter corruption practices in the future. Furthermore, this study also uses publicly available reports from several national and international agencies to explore possible future scenarios from the interconnectedness of corruption, anti-corruption and pandemic practices. This paper constructs a new analytical framework for assessing the corruption phenomenon and designing the most appropriate anti-corruption strategy from such an exploration. The framework also serves as a reference for future anti-corruption research. Findings The author establishes that all social phenomena are constructed by an interconnected, dynamic and ever-changing constellation of practice-arrangement bundles within the social reality. As a largely social phenomenon (at least in Indonesia), corruption is also constructed by webs of practice-arrangement bundles. For decades, corruption practices in Indonesia have always been interconnected with anti-corruption practices in ways that changes in one group of practices will drive changes in the others. With the adoption of the pandemic practices centered around social distancing, social restriction and social safety net, corruption practices appear to transform to adapt to the new environment. Therefore, future anti-corruption research should aim to examine the structure and dynamics of corruption, anti-corruption and pandemic practices to highlight changes or potential changes within the three groups of practices to determine the most appropriate intervention measures and anti-corruption strategy. Research limitations/implications This exploratory study is self-funded and relies primarily on documentary analysis to explore the corruption phenomenon in Indonesia. Future studies will benefit from in-depth interviews with former corruption offenders and corruption investigators. Practical implications This exploratory paper contributes to developing a sound corruption prevention strategy by proposing a new analytical framework for assessing various social practices, particularly those associated with corruption and the COVID-19 pandemic. Originality/value This paper highlights the importance of understanding the structure, interconnectedness and dynamics of social practices, particularly associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, to better understand the corruption phenomenon.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pritika Reddy ◽  
Bibhya Sharma ◽  
Kaylash Chaudhary ◽  
'Osaiasi Lolohea ◽  
Robert Tamath

PurposeThe research surveyed the competency of information literacy of senior high school students in Fiji. This is to evaluate the strong predictors of information literacy.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopted a survey research design whereby a five-point Likert scale self-reporting questionnaire was administered to Year 12 and Year 13 secondary school students. The data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software-descriptive statistics of calculating the mean and standard deviation, a correlation and linear regression analysis to deduce the strong predictors of information literacy.FindingsThe study showed that 81% of the students surveyed were average to above average information literate. The strong predictors of information literacy were the ability of an individual to collaborate and share safely online, the ability to share files securely and the ability to access the credibility of any resource assessed on the digital platform.Research limitations/implicationsThe current study evaluates information literacy of a cohort – stating how information literate the participants are, comprehending the strong predicators of information literacy so that there is an appropriate and effective implementation of interventions for the desired improvements.Practical implicationsThe results can be used to improve information literacy of students at all levels of education in the Fiji Islands.Social implicationsIf the youths are information literate they will be able to effectively contribute towards the development of their economy. Since the work environment today is technology oriented and involves a lot of information, being information literate means knowing how to use the information and differentiate between good and bad information. Hence, contributing effectively towards whatever task is performed.Originality/valueThis research if the first ever research done on evaluating the information literacy of individuals in Fiji.


2014 ◽  
Vol 70 (1) ◽  
pp. 74-92 ◽  
Author(s):  
Torkild Thellefsen ◽  
Bent Sørensen ◽  
Martin Thellefsen

Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to examine and compare Nicholas Belkin's information concept and his concept of communication with the authors' semeiotic inspired communication model – the Dynacom. Design/methodology/approach – The authors compare the two communication models by comparing the requirements given by Belkin and the conditions of the Dynacom. Findings – The authors conclude that Belkin's idea of information and his idea of communication lack the social aspect. Based on his theory, he is unable to point out how information becomes knowledge. These are two major issues the authors believe they can elaborate on by introducing the Dynacom and their semeiotic inspired concept of information. Originality/value – No one has previously specifically analyzed Nicholas Belkin's concept of information and compared it to a semeiotic ditto.


2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara Barney-McNamara ◽  
James Peltier ◽  
Pavan Rao Chennamaneni ◽  
Keith Eric Niedermeier

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide a detail review of the social selling literature and to offer future research needs. Social selling has gained the attention of sales researchers. Rather than merely a new tool, social selling redefines the traditional sales process. However, the literature is spread across topics of social media and sales, social customer relationship management, salesforce automation and social selling, and does not provide an agreed-upon definition or tested construct for implementation. Design/methodology/approach The paper presents a comprehensive literature review of social selling and all related terminology. Findings The authors propose a social selling framework that includes personal branding, information exchange, networking and social listening to define and outline the construct while suggesting the antecedents and outcomes to guide future research. Findings from a literature review include outlining key theories used in social selling research. Originality/value This review offers a conceptual framework of social selling, including both antecedents and outcomes, to inform future research and guide academics and practitioners.


2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (1) ◽  
pp. 183-199
Author(s):  
Michelle Gohr ◽  
Vitalina A. Nova

Purpose By historicizing the broader system of education contextualized under the 45th presidential administration, this paper aims to provide a nuanced discussion regarding the condition of information literacy and librarianship as capitalist institutions in service to the state. In response, tools to oppose systemic racism and minimize harm in the classroom as well as recommendations for change and resistance are addressed. Design/methodology/approach The paper focuses on historical analysis of libraries as institutions within larger educational systems and draws heavily on critical theories as a method of critique. Findings This paper demonstrates that the 45th presidential administration is a logical progression of neoliberalism and institutionalized discrimination, which has had adverse effects on the health and safety of (primarily marginalized) students, library workers and library practice, but that critical reflection and information seeking on part of librarians may provide solutions. Practical implications This paper can be used as a guide for librarians seeking to contextualize the educational environment and apply a critical praxis to information literacy programs. Social implications The reflection presented in this paper can aid in expanding awareness in LIS surrounding issues of equity and justice, and impart urgency and need for institutional change. Originality/value Given the lack of diversity in library and information science, this paper provides critical interventions for information literacy practice. The authors’ unique practical and theoretical backgrounds allow for nuanced discussion and pedagogical creation which directly impacts and addresses key issues of justice and equity in the classroom.


2008 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 49-68 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bente Halkier ◽  
Iben Jensen

Artiklen introducerer de nyeste internationale forsøg på at syntetisere teoretiske elementer fra blandt andre Bourdieu, Butler og Giddens til praksisteori. Praksisteori er en særlig form for kulturteori, hvor det sociale placeres i performative processer. Forfatternes position fremhæver, at praksisteori bør ses som en særlig analytisk optik, kaldet et praksisteoretisk perspektiv. Derfor kan perspektivet tilpasses analytisk til specifikke empiriske forskningsfelter med hver deres viden, begreber og diskussioner. Et sådant praksisteoretisk perspektiv ser derfor også sociale praksisser som multirelationelle konfigurationer. Artiklen fremhæver tre områder, hvor et praksisteoretisk perspektiv i særlig grad bidrager til sociologiske epistemologiske diskussioner, nemlig i relation til krop, agency og normativitet. Ud fra forfatternes to forskellige sociologiske forskningsfelter (mad-sociologi og interkulturel kommunikation) viser og diskuterer artiklen de konkrete analytiske og metodiske fordele ved at anvende et praksisteoretisk perspektiv. Af disse kan nævnes, at man kan lave hverdagslivsanalyse uden at privilegere fænomenologi; man kan arbejde socialkonstruktivistisk uden at privilegere diskurs; man kan nytænke agency begrebet som empirisk kategori; og man kan tænke magt som konventionalitet. ENGELSK ABSTRACT: Bente Halkier & Iben Jensen: The Social as Performativity. A Practice-theoretical Perspective on Analysis and Method The article introduces recent international attempts to synthesize theoretical elements from among others Bourdieu, Butler and Giddens into a practice theory. Practice theory is a particular type of cultural theory in which the social is placed in performative processes. The authors argue that practice theory should be seen as a particular analytical approach, called a practice theoretical perspective. This perspective can be adapted analytically to specific empirical research fields, each representing its own assemblages of knowledge, concepts and discussions. Hence, such a practice theoretical perspective sees social practices as multi-relational configurations. The article emphasizes three areas, in which a practice theoretical perspective contributes to epistemological sociological discussions; the areas of the body, agency and normativity. The article demonstrates and discusses the concrete analytical and methodological advantages of using a practice theoretical perspective in relation to two different sociological research fields: sociology of food and intercultural communication. Some of these advantages are that it is possible to do everyday life analysis without privileging phenomenology; it is possible to work social constructivist without privileging discourse; it is possible to rethink the concept of agency; and power can be thought of as conventionality. Key words: Practice theory, cultural theory, performativity, epistemology, qualitative methods.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anam Yasir ◽  
Alia Ahmed ◽  
Leena Anum

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to highlight those factors which involve elite class criminals in corporate financial crimes. This research implies the fact that the study of criminal behavior is pivotal for finding out the reasons behind such crimes. Design/methodology/approach By describing theories of criminology, researchers assess the nature of financial criminals in Pakistan from a theoretical perspective. Findings Elite-class people commit crimes upon perceiving high benefits and less punishment. Moreover, the social environment contributes greatly to inducing criminal behavior. Research limitations/implications Explanation of criminal behaviors provided in the study will be helpful in providing directions for the prevention of such criminal actions in the future. Originality/value This research examines the criminal behavior of elite class crimes from the theoretical perspective which will be significant in the prevention of such behaviors.


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