Download - Handling Information Overload
Handling Handling Information OverloadInformation Overload
Sarah Houghton-Jan, MA, MLIS
Digital Futures Manager for the San Jose Public Library
author of LibrarianInBlack.net
This presentation will be at LibrarianInBlack.net
What does “Information What does “Information Overload” mean to you?Overload” mean to you?
““'We have become far more 'We have become far more proficient in generating proficient in generating
information than we are in information than we are in managing it, and we have also managing it, and we have also
built technology that easily allows built technology that easily allows us to create new information us to create new information without human intervention.” without human intervention.”
~Jonathan B. Spira ~Jonathan B. Spira
Top 5 Barriers to Dealing with Top 5 Barriers to Dealing with Information OverloadInformation Overload
Time (perceived time) Lack of interest or motivation Not encouraged by management Not knowing where to start Frustration with past attempts
10 Tips for 10 Tips for Dealing with Dealing with Information Information OverloadOverload
#1: General #1: General Organizational Organizational
TechniquesTechniques
Inventory your inputInventory your devicesStudy the topicThink before sending somethingSchedule yourself (including unscheduled
work and tasks)
Use downtimeStay neatKeep a master waiting list
#2: Filter Your Input#2: Filter Your Input
Weed, weed, and weed againTeach others communication
etiquette (and stick to it)Schedule unplugged timesUnplug at will
#3: RSS Overload #3: RSS Overload TechniquesTechniques
Use RSS when applicableUse RSS to send you remindersLimit your feedsOrganize your feeds
#4: Interruptive #4: Interruptive Technology Overload Technology Overload
TechniquesTechniques
Phones, text messaging, IM, TwitterUse these technologies when
appropriateCheck when you want toDon't interrupt yourselfUse your status message wellLobby for IM in the workplace
#5: Phone Overload #5: Phone Overload TechniquesTechniques
Use the phone when appropriateTurn it offKeep your number privateLet it ringWork = work, home=home
#1: Email Overload #1: Email Overload TechniquesTechniques
Stop “Doing Email”Start scheduling email scanning timeUse email when appropriateDeal with email by subjectKeep your inbox nearly emptyFilter your messagesLimit listservsFollow good email etiquetteDelete and archiveWork=work, home=home
#7: Print Media #7: Print Media Overload Overload
TechniquesTechniques
Just because you can touch it, doesn't mean you should keep it
Cancel, cancel, cancel (CatalogChoice.org)
Weed what you do have
#8: Multimedia #8: Multimedia Overload Overload
TechniquesTechniques
Choose entertainment thoughtfullyLimit television viewingSchedule entertainment timeUse your commute to your benefit
#9: Social #9: Social Networking Networking Overload Overload
TechniquesTechniques
Schedule time on your networksPick a primary network and point
other sites toward itLimit your “in-network IM”
#10: Time and #10: Time and Stress ManagementStress Management
Use your calendar (!)Take breaksEliminate stressful interruptionsLook for software helpBalance your life and work to your own
liking, not your boss's or spouse's
Further ResourcesFurther Resources
“Being Wired or Being Tired: 10 Ways to Cope with Information Overload” by Sarah Houghton-Jan (from Ariadne)
"How to Stop Your Inbox Exploding" by Cory Doctorow
Information Overload: We Have Met the Enemy and He Is Us by Jonathan B. Spira
Questions?Questions?
Sarah Houghton-JanSarah Houghton-Janemail: [email protected]: [email protected]: LibrarianInBlackim: LibrarianInBlackweb: web: www.LibrarianInBlack.netwww.LibrarianInBlack.netSkype: LibrairanInBlackSkype: LibrairanInBlackFacebook: facebook.com/librarianinblackFacebook: facebook.com/librarianinblack