Information lifecycle considered in context of the electronic ecosystem.

• Author: Scofield, Meg
• Position: Book review

Information 2.0, Second Edition: New Models of Information Production, Distribution and Consumption

Authors: :Martin De Saulles

Publisher: Facet Publishing

Publication Date: 2015

Length: 163 pages

Price: $95

ISBN: 978-1-78330-009-9

Source: www.ala.org; www.facetpublishing.co.uk

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Right away, a sense of humor distinguishes Information 2.0, Second Edition: New Models of Information Production, Distribution and Consumption by Martin De Saulles. In this updated textbook, three years after his first edition, De Saulles notes, "...[I]t is doubly ironic that this second edition is still being printed on dead trees." His good nature guides readers through an introduction and conclusion supported by four core chapters.

With a focus on information production, storage, distribution, and consumption, an important theme is how platforms and devices (as well as the organizations behind them) keep expanding to accommodate an ever-increasing digital deluge.

While the book will appeal to students engaged in information science programs, De Saulles takes special care to accommodate more seasoned information practitioners, too. With signature enthusiasm, he regularly points out opportunities in emerging technological arenas.

Digital Information Transforms, Intimidates

Each chapter starts with an introduction that provides an overview, assuming no advanced, high-tech knowledge on the part of readers. Throughout his chapters, De Saulles breaks down difficult concepts into manageable segments.

He also freshens the text with numerous case studies selected to daylight challenges to the information community. Readers will recognize in the case studies names like BuzzFeed, Netflix, Amazon, and Spotify, along with companies less well known, although no less interesting. Concluding comments at the end of each chapter synthesize the array of ideas and underscore the importance to information professionals.

A particular strength of this book is the author's ability to acknowledge and encourage readers who may not whole-heartedly embrace all things digital. Despite technology's pervasiveness in personal and work lives, there are still plenty of people who write paper checks; who admit they either don't use a computer or aren't proficient; and who wonder, "What's a blog?" Some technology-averse folks may even work in the information management profession.

There Are No Stupid Questions

With readers less confident in technology, especially, De Saulles...