A rationale for attacking information problems

Eugene Wall

American Documentation, 1967, vol. 18, issue 2, 97-103

Abstract: The “systems” approach to information system problems is suggested, wherein problems arising from information origination, processing, and utilization—and alternative solutions to the problems—can be viewed as an entirety rather than piecemeal. Information utilization problems involve sociopolitical considerations (e.g., “wants” vs. “needs” of users), economic values of information, and the more objective considerations of timeliness, quality, and format requirements placed upon information services or products. Quality is encompassed by the factors of specificity, completeness, and relevance. Information processing is shown to consist of seven distinct “unit processes,” which may be combined in only nine different ways, thus defining nine possible types of information systems. The “unit processes” employed interact strongly with each other and with user requirements. Information origination—specifically the increasing ratio of “dross” to “ore”—is stated to be the single major information problem for which rational means of attack are not apparent at present.

Date: 1967
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