Overcoming the `Dark Side` of Information

Programme Features

A one day course, examining some of the problems which arise when information is increasing in amount, more varied media are emerging, and it is easy to find large volumes of information, but not necessarily what is needed. It suggests some practical solutions, and examines the idea of 'digital literacy' (an extension of the familiar 'information literacy') as a framework for coping effectively in a complex information environment. The programme includes:

• too much information? - the new information environment
• overload, anxiety, avoidance and distracttion? - problems with information
• satisficing or maximising? - taking control of your information
• digitally literate? - understanding information fluently

Why you should attend
Suffering from information anxiety, information overload or even infobesity? Want to avoid information avoidance? Are you, or your users, suffering from the paradox of choice, and are you satisficing badly as a result? Would a dose of digital literacy help?

In today's information environment, where some information on any given topic can usually be found quickly and easily, new problems have emerged. This course gives an overview of these 'information problems and pathologies', considers how real and how serious they are, and offers advice on overcoming them.

The course is suitable both for those who want to deal better with information themselves, and for those who want to help their users do so.

• understand why and how information problems occur, when information systems and services are more effective than ever
• recognise information problems, assess their seriousness, and propose solutions
• identify your own 'information style' and take advantage of it
• understand how to use digital literacy as a personal and organisational tool

Programme

09.45 : Registration
10.00 : Introduction to the course
10.15 : Session 1 Too much information?
Information overload, infobesity and the paradox of choice
Information avoidance and bad satisficing
11.30 : Break
11.45 : Session 2 Anxious and distracted?
Information anxiety, technostress and cognitive overload
Web 2 and the end of civilisation
13.00 : Lunch
13.45 : Session 3 Digitally literate?
Beyond information literacy
Understanding and skills for the information-rich environment
15.00 : Break
15.15 : Session 4 Information fluent?
Taking control.
Personal information management.
16.15 : Conclusions
16.30 : Close