[Asis-l] Global Information Village Plaza

[Nadia Caidi]

CONTRIBUTE YOUR VOICE TO THE GLOBAL INFORMATION VILLAGE PLAZA

A major feature in the so-called "information society" or else "digital 
economy" is its global nature. This aspect is analyzed, described and 
commented upon by many "specialists." The same specialists and other 
happy few are involved in the preparation of policies and programs 
supposed to support the transition into this "new era." Yet the lay 
professional public has little opportunity to express and confront its 
views in a truly open and participative fashion, unbiased by corporate, 
political or career stakes. While general economic and social challenges 
or current practices are often debated, what do this "new" society mean 
and imply for people is more often than not overlooked.

Take advantage of a unique opportunity to express your personal views 
and share opinions with members of the ASIS&T and with information 
professionals at large.Tell us in a short (300 words maximum) position 
statement what in your opinion will be radically changed in your 
professional life and in your personal life as a result of the 
globalization of the information society?

In other words, what does ‘globalization’ and ‘information society’ mean 
to you in a very real and concrete sense, both as an individual and as 
an information professional? What changes (if any) do you feel you have 
to undergo in order to cope? What should the information science 
community do to help you cope with the change? What should the 
information science community do to help itself cope with the change?

To get your started, example of issues/themes are provided below. You 
may want to select one or a few of the following themes and articulate 
what is really new and challenging about each; what individuals and 
professional societies should do in order for all to better deal with 
the issue.

The goal is to deepen our understanding of the problem and propose 
research and action agendas. Your own contributions and additions to the 
list of topics are of course welcome.

· Multiculturalism and multilingualism

· Lifelong learning for information professionals

· Transformation of the public sphere and information ‘spaces’

· Strategies for coping with information overload and pollution

· Distance education and interactive learning

· User-friendliness and reliability of ICT applications

· New patterns of work and social life

· ICT and information as instruments of domination and/or liberation on 
the international scene

· The state of information post 9/11

In keeping with the spirit of the Plaza -e.g., the 'public place' or 
shared community space reminiscent of the public sphere-, a wide 
initiative called the Global Information Village Plaza is currently 
taking place. Its aim is to bring people together to reflect on these 
issues. Beyond the individual opinions, the social interaction between 
the various participants and contributors is an important part of the 
process (hence, the idea of a global plaza).

Take the opportunity to share your position statement with others 
through the discussion list of the Special Interest Group on 
International Information Issues (SIG/III) of ASIS&T, which hosts the 
public discussion around the Global Information Village Plaza.

The email for the list is: sigiii-l at asis.org <mailto:sigiii-l at asis.org>

Messages should clearly indicate "Plaza" in the subject line.

All position statements are due by October 5.

Note: Anyone can post messages to the sigiii-l list but if you wish to 
see what others have posted and participate in further discussion, 
consider subscribing to the list (see 
http://mail.asis.org/mailman/listinfo/sigiii-l for details on how to 
subscribe). The sigiii list is a moderated list (mainly to avoid 
spamming and unrelated announcements). Of course, you may send your 
comments about others’ statements posted on the list.

For more information, contact Nadia Caidi (caidi at fis.utoronto.ca) or 
Michel Menou (Michel.Menou at wanadoo.fr).