Understanding information history from a genre‐theoretical perspective

Abstract

In this article we argue for how a genre-theoretical approach to information history can contribute to our understanding of what has historically been conceived of as information, what sort of networks and activities triggered the production and use of information, and what forms information was presented and communicated in. Through 2 case studies we show how information and the genres used for communicating that information was perceived and used by the relevant agents involved with the genres. Based on the case studies, we conclude by discussing how the fields of information history and rhetorical genre theory can inform each other.

From informational reading to information literacy

“…One of these difficulties is summarised by Skouvig andAndersen (2015, p. 2063) who state that: "[i]nformation seems to be a modern invention (Day, 2001), and yet information history argues that information has always been present". Hence, it is not clear whether the study of information history should start from a current definition of information when examining the past or rather take an interest in how information was defined during previous eras (assuming that such definitions existed and were of importance) (cf.…”

Global/local knowledge organization: Contexts and questions

“…Since then, scholars have examined global knowledge organization systems from a variety of critical perspectives: Critical Race Theory (Furner), Queer Theory (Keilty, ; Adler, ), Disability Studies (Koford, ), Indigenous Studies (Doyle & Metoyer, ), Feminist Theory (Olson, ), Postcolonial and Transnational Studies (Olson & Fox, ; Smiraglia & Lee, ; Pinho & Guimarães, ), and general theoretical perspectives (Mai, ; Tennis, ; Beghtol, ; Bowker & Star, ). Others have looked at genre theory and certain historical contexts to think about the relationships between the global and the local (Skouvig & Andersen, ; Olesen‐Bagneux, ). In addition to critical and theoretical work, there has been a proliferation and appreciation of local knowledge organization systems that are designed by and/or for specific communities.…”