[Air-l] Information and knowledge

[blb at buffalo.edu]

Hello everyone,

I recently requested your opinions on the differences 
between "information" and "knowledge." Here is a summary of the 31 
responses received.


For the most part, respondents were in agreement that information is a
component of knowledge. Many equated "information" with "raw facts" or
"data" and saw "knowledge" as having with more "meaning." Knowledge is 
the "application of information." Three respondents called knowledge
information that had been "internalized." Another referred to it as
"information with context."

No respondents saw the terms as synonymous and the majority used the 
exact terms "meaning" and "value" in association with the 
concept "knowledge." One respondent referred to knowledge as "vibrant" 
and "fluid." "Information," on the other hand, is "static" and 
comprised of "uninterpretted data," "facts," or "discrete items." 
According to the responses, only when information 
is "applied," "synthesized," "contextualized" and/or "combined with 
experience," does it become "knowledge."

Thank you to all who responded. Your comments have been very helpful.

Best,
Brenda

--
Brenda L. Battleson
Head, Print Periodicals/Serials
Acquisitions Dept.
University at Buffalo
134 Lockwood Library
Buffalo, NY  14260-2210
716.645.2305 (voice)
716.645.5955 (fax)