Abstract
The first edition of Martin De Saulles’ book was published in 2012 and acclaimed as a thought-provoking guide to the changes evident and forthcoming in the information sector. There was considerable need for such a publication then and the need remains: indeed, it has become ever more apparent as conversations with colleagues demonstrate. There is widespread discussion and concern about the implications of the change and, not least, about the longer-term effects on the information profession.
For the second edition, De Saulles has resisted the temptation to increase the length of the text substantially: this remains a text that presents its case succinctly and can be read in its entirety, or as separate chapters, as need arises. It will serve the busy professional as well as the student. In addition, the case studies provide a focus for reflective study that will be useful in the context of professional education. In this respect, readers of the first edition may miss the ‘Questions to think about’ that ended each chapter; however, each now ends with a brief conclusion and the final chapter draws together many of the critical issues that have been discussed, thus highlighting many of the potential discussion topics. Copious references and an effective index complement the text.
The introductory chapter sets out the ‘big’ issues: how information may be defined, what the term ‘information society’ might mean, the salient drivers of change and the importance of information. Such a discussion could well become mired in a philosophical discourse of some complexity but De Saulles takes a robust and practical approach by focusing on effects and challenges.
Chapter 2, ‘New models of information production’ considers blogging, print to digital transition, big data and the impact of search engines. This latter topic explores the impact of search engine optimisation strategies on the user and also asks the question implicit in any consideration of individual privacy, ‘Does Google know too much?’: the answer is more complex than one might at first think.
The third chapter considers storage of data, including legal requirements, data security and the difficulties inherent in longer-term retention. Many examples are provided of the complexities of these issues as well as the alarming consequences of neglect.
Chapters 4 and 5 deal, respectively, with information distribution and consumption. The impact of open government – and the consequences of proactive, defensive and offensive governmental approaches – are presented in a way that encourages further enquiry. Information literacy and implications for information professionals are also considered.
This is certainly a text to be welcomed and one that should be widely read in – and beyond – our professional domain.