Seven information practices for alleviating information vulnerability

Abstract

Purpose

This literature review aims to identify conscious, intentional, repetitive and transferrable information-related decisions and activities (i.e. information practices) for individuals to alleviate their information vulnerability. Information vulnerability refers to the lack of access to accurate, affordable, complete, relevant and timely information or the inability to use such information, which can place individuals, communities or society at disadvantage or hurt them.

Design/methodology/approach

Conceptual literature review.

Findings

This review presents seven conscious, intentional, repetitive and transferrable information practices to alleviate information vulnerability.

Practical implications

Due to the transferability potential of the seven information practices, diverse populations in varied contexts could refer to, adapt and benefit from appropriate combinations of information practices and their manifestations. The framework can be used by individuals for alleviating information vulnerability. Thus, this paper responds to the call for conducting action-driven research in information science for addressing real-world problems. Information professionals can help individuals select and implement appropriate combinations of seven information practices for alleviating information vulnerability.

Originality/value

We propose (1) a parsimonious, episodic framework for alleviating information vulnerability, which depicts the inter-relationship among the seven information practices and (2) a three-dimensional plot with information access, use and value as three axes to map the manifestation and outcome of alleviating information vulnerability.

Citation

Potnis, D.D. and Winberry, J. (2022), "Seven information practices for alleviating information vulnerability", Journal of Documentation, Vol. 78 No. 4, pp. 835-852. https://doi.org/10.1108/JD-05-2021-0106