The Human Relationship with Information

by Mark Lenker

Overview

The Human Relationship with Information uses a philosophical lens to explore questions about the fundamental place of information in a fulfilling human life.

Drawing on the author’s experience as an instruction librarian and from research by others working in the humanities, psychology, and information science, this book suggests new directions for information ethics and information literacy. Questioning what makes an encounter with information meaningful for the people librarians and educators serve, Lenker also considers what our uncertain life expectancies and limited attention spans mean for the ways we prioritize our time with information. Considering what the characteristics of an excellent mind are, this book explores how our information consumption habits nurture or hinder the development of those qualities. Inviting readers to think about how information consumes a precious and finite resource – our attention – this book ultimately explores how best to have a rich, satisfying life with information.

The Human Relationship with Information will inspire librarians and other educators to take a second look at their work and think more deeply and sincerely about how information shapes the lives of the people they serve. It will be essential reading for anyone thinking about the ways that information and libraries enrich – and sometimes complicate – people’s quality of life.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781032874982
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	06/30/2025
Pages:	140
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.19(h) x (d)

About the Author

Mark Lenker is Teaching and Learning Librarian and Associate Professor at the University of Nevada Las Vegas Libraries in the USA.

Table of Contents

Part 1: Starting Points — Chapter 1: Introduction; Chapter 2: What kind of book is this?;Chapter 3: Why The Human Relationship with Information?; Part 2: Living in an Information World — Chapter 4: What is common sense, exactly, and can it help us evaluate information?; Chapter 5: How can I get the most out of reading?; Chapter 6: Information is everywhere – is it still important to take notes?; Chapter 7: Is skepticism necessarily a bad thing?; Chapter 8: What kind of information justifies us in condemning someone we do not know personally?; Part 3: Libraries for Humans — Chapter 9: Just wondering: what is the point of libraries?; Chapter 10: What are my asymmetries as a learner?; Chapter 11: Are information literate learners self-directed learners?; Chapter 12: Learning outcomes or intellectual virtues: What do I want for my students?; Chapter 13: Why would anyone want to be intellectually humble?; Part 4: Character sketches to wonder about — Chapter 14: The case of the chump: What can information literacy do?; Chapter 15: How do I read the news without becoming resentful and hopeless?; Index.