The Human Relationship with Information

The Human Relationship with Information uses a philosophical lens to explore questions about the fundamental place of information in a fulfilling human life.

Drawing on the author’s experience as an instruction librarian and from research by others working in the humanities, psychology, and information science, this book suggests new directions for information ethics and information literacy. Questioning what makes an encounter with information meaningful for the people librarians and educators serve, Lenker also considers what our uncertain life expectancies and limited attention spans mean for the ways we prioritize our time with information. Considering what the characteristics of an excellent mind are, this book explores how our information consumption habits nurture or hinder the development of those qualities. Inviting readers to think about how information consumes a precious and finite resource – our attention – this book ultimately explores how best to have a rich, satisfying life with information.

The Human Relationship with Information will inspire librarians and other educators to take a second look at their work and think more deeply and sincerely about how information shapes the lives of the people they serve. It will be essential reading for anyone thinking about the ways that information and libraries enrich – and sometimes complicate – people’s quality of life.