Information use value: A test on the perception of utility and validity

摘要

This research focuses on the use of scientific information disseminated in primary subject literature. Use is analysed under the specific topic of obsolescence. Object-Content-Use syndrome was the starting point for the conceptual distinction between Content (information) and Object (document) obsolescence. It is argued that quantitative measures of obsolescence are based merely on Object parameters, and thus cannot be used to infer Content validity and utility. Accordingly, it is hypothesized that Object obsolescence is disjoint of Content Obsolescence. The main objective of the study was to develop a methodology for hypothesis testing. The method implies measurement of Object obsolescence by means of citation analysis, measurement of Content obsolescence by means of expert opinions, and comparison of the results. The hypothesis was tested in an exploratory way in the field of Bibliometrics. Main results of the study are that the hypothesis was confirmed at the perceptual and inferential levels. It is shown that information validity and information utility are not related to document age.