Abstract

The increase in technological capabilities in information handling has raised a number of security and privacy issues with growing importance at the corporate level. On the other hand, aspects such as the implementation of the ISO 30300 series and innovative procurement projects pose new challenges and opportunities for document management and competitive intelligence, respectively. All this points to the issue of how to reformulate intermediation and the corresponding professional role in the organizational environment.

Abstract

Taking advantage of political cartoons by El Roto and Mauro Entrialgo, the need for a critical use of information technology and the internet is presented. Information and communication technologies (ICT) have generated high hopes, being seen as tools to democratize knowledge and information. However, to make good use of their potential we must know their limits, what changes they generate in our behavior and how they affect our privacy, identity or personal relationships. The above mentioned cartoonists help to generate self-criticism of our information behaviour, fostering a rational information literacy, with a thoughtful and intentional use of technologies and networks.

Abstract

A large part of the research on personal information management is scattered through many journals due to the intrinsic characteristics of this topic. This work tries to compile a more complete, global and integrated study of that type of management strategies. Our study offers an analytical model of the informational behaviour of a group of individuals (students of an e-learning university, UOC) who have a positive perception of the information and communication technologies and use them intensively in their academic, professional and everyday contexts. From this qualitative research (24 interviews and content analysis), four user profiles (reactive, passive, comprehensive and proactive) have been identified in relation to personal information management and its relevant variables: access, management and use of information, cognitive style, attitude, information-related competencies, ICT perception, and academic, professional and everyday contexts. These profiles show the differences in information behaviour for each context (daily life, professional and academic). Identification of the user profiles was the essential first step in a user centered service design that addresses the specific intervention/contribution appropriate to each user type, taking into account tool and process requirements needed for them to develop efficient information behaviours

Abstract

The field of information behaviour research is dominated by a constructivist vision focused on the individual as a generator of knowledge. Recently, a group of researchers have increased the criticism of this approach and advocate a social turn. From this point of view, methods such as discourse analysis are used to try to learn from the language of users how they generate and share knowledge in the social context. Other methods that could contribute to a better understanding of this aspect include social network analysis. The article describes how this method has been applied to the study of information behaviour, shows a practical application and discusses the professional and methodological implications.

Abstract

Information is a key economic resource. Its proper conceptualization, as well as its practical integration in socioeconomic environment, poses several questions and follows general premises. These are reviewed, and once this framework is estab lished it is illustrated with an informational analysis of the 2008 financial crisis, including remarks on changes in the financial system information environment that affected stakeholders’ information behaviour and decision making.

Abstract

Altmetrics measure the impact of research by quantifying its presence on the social web. The use of this tool in research evaluation can supplement citation analysis. However, altmetric data sources suffer from biases similar to those of citation databases. Although altmetrics offer article-level metrics, it is necessary to normalize data collection in order to guarantee the consistency of altmetric indicators and to build a conceptual framework to interpret them. Altmetrics can be a source of information on researchers’ information behaviour and needs.

Abstract

Sci-Hub breaks into the field of scientific communication in 2011 as a platform for free access to scientific papers. It is the most popular of the so-called shadow libraries, systems that overcome the limits of legal access to scientific publications, standing outside the open access movement. Apart from the media issues that have made it gain popularity, several studies reveal the Sci-Hub impact among researchers, who have accepted this initiative willingly. Sci-Hub has revealed new forms of access to scientific information, affecting academic and research libraries that cannot remain on the sidelines. This study addresses the Sci-Hub phenomenon and its implications for academic and research libraries from different points of view, through a bibliographic review and the analysis of examples of action.