The notion of
the “information spectrum” refers to a hierarchical structure of information,
which clearly outlines a series of value-added processes and associated methods
(Taylor, 1982). The spectrum identifies five phases of increasing complexity as:
data, information, informing knowledge, productive knowledge, and action. For
instance, transforming raw data into information requires the efforts of
organizing processes through grouping, classifying, relating, formatting,
signaling, or displaying. An information professional engages in synthesizing
and making
judgments in order to make the transition from the information phase to the
informing- or productive-knowledge phases that can support action and decision
making. The entire information spectrum represents how different levels of
information processing enable and advance the creation of value-added processes.
- Data = characters, symbols, numbers, signs whose meaning may or may not be apparent.
- Information = data with labels or definition; data that has structure or relationships.
- Knowledge = collected, combined, organized, processed information for a purpose.
- Wisdom = knowledge over time; knowledge without thinking.
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