Trends in analyzing access to information. Part I: cross-disciplinary conceptualizations of access

摘要

Part I of two articles reviews six research literatures that consider access from different vantage points to identify common aspects of the concept `access to information'. The resulting multi-dimensional framework includes (1) conceptualizations of information itself (resource/commodity, data in the environment, representation of knowledge and part of the communication process), (2) conceptualizations of the notion of access (knowledge, technology, communication, control, goods/commodities and rights), (3) a set of general information seeking facets (context, situation, strategies and outcomes) and (4) a variety of influences and constraints (physical, cognitive, affective, economic, social and political). Only a comprehensive consideration of these factors will allow us to understand the concept of access to information, as well as develop and study systems, institutions and policies that foster improved access.