Identify (name each section of), describe and briefly

discuss the information transfer cycle—the life cycle of

information from cradle to grave as presented in Greer et

al.

The information transfer cycle, defined by Greer (2007) as “the

communication of a recorded message from one human or

human mind to another,” is an asynchronous type of

communication that enables the transmission of ideas (Greer,

2007, p. 59). The cycle itself is broken down into ten steps, the

first of which is “Creation.” During the creation phase, new

information is “created by the assembly of data in ways that

provide new meanings or understandings that show new

relationships.” It is during this phase that data is collected using

some form of research methodology (ex: questionnaires, surveys,

observations, etc…).

After new information has been created, it needs to be

recorded in some way, thus leading to the second phase

“Recording.” The process of recording information is an integral

part of the information transfer process, as it facilitates the

dissemination of information and allows for the collected data to

be “analyzed and synthesized into a report of the research

process and the findings.” Once the initial findings have been

properly recorded the third step, “Reproduction,” can occur. This

step “requires the copying of the information so that it can be

distributed” and acts as a catalyst for the “Dissemination” stage.

Though these two stages are often seen as analogous, they are

decidedly separate stages in the process. The dissemination

stage is the beginning of the creation of new channels of

information, where the recorded data is “distributed to a vast

audience.”

As the new information is being distributed, it is important

that the information be organized and readily available to those

individuals in charge of gate keeping. This is why the fifth stage,

“Bibliographic control” is such an important step in the “efficient

retrieval and use of information.” Once the information has been

made readily available, “Organizing [the information] by

discipline” further aids browsing by individuals, and gives

information professionals the ability to begin the “Diffusion”

stage of the process. It is important to note that diffusion and

dissemination are different. The dissemination of information

means “making the information available,” while diffusion is

where librarians step in and “assist in the understanding of the

information.” Though information professionals play a vital role

in helping their patrons understand information, they also

“facilitate the use of information” specifically applying

knowledge “for the betterment of humankind.” It is through this

application of knowledge that information professionals complete

the eighth step of the information transfer process, “Utilization.”

As the process begins to wind down, the information that has

been created, organized, disseminated and diffused ultimately

requires “Preservation.” The process of preserving is “concerned

with the retention of the recorded information for future

audiences.” The final stage of the transfer process, “Deletion” is

not always needed, but nonetheless it is very important. The

finality of deleting materials may be necessary if the content has

become obsolete or the item is damage and cannot be repaired.

Overall, the information transfer process allows for a

streamlining of information from the sender to their clientele and

information professionals aid the information in its journey from

idea to action.

References

Greer, R. C., Grover, R. J., & Fowler, S. G. (2007). Information Transfer in theInformation Professions. Introduction to the library and information professions. Westport, CN: Libraries Unlimited.