Introduction

In Chapter 1 we discussed the meaning of ‘need’ as distinct from ‘want’ and ‘demand’ and used this discussion as a platform for defining INA. However, we did not discuss the essentially contextual nature of those situations in which information needs arise, and therefore the contextual nature of all INAs. This is the purpose of Chapter 2: to place INA in a contextual framework, whether this is a more general cultural context or specific to a particular level (users, providers, resources). The variety of contexts is the overriding theme of this chapter. The second theme is that data do not exist in a vacuum, and on their own they have no intrinsic value – that is, the data of INA are also context-specific.

This statement reminds us that different groups have different needs, and these needs are serviced in a variety of ways in varying contexts according to specific local requirements.

For example, there are x entries beginning with the letter ‘J’ in the Manchester telephone directory (available at www.whitepages.co.uk/england/white-pages-manchester. html); that number is a datum, but without any intrinsic value. If, however, we were seeking a list of names and addresses of medical practitioners in Manchester, this would be a different matter. As this book is being written nowhere near Manchester, such data have no value to us; but should we be in Manchester in the near future, then it could well become information that accords with a need at that time, thus becoming of value. The worth, or value, of information and information services depends on context.

No individual or group has an information need per se (Nicholas and Herman, 2009). That is, any community, group or individual has an information need for a specific purpose and within a particular context. Information needs are most likely to be associated with contexts such as the demands of employment, formal or informal study, the need for more efficient operations within an organization, or some social or cultural activity.