Reduction of Uncertainty

In our Module 3 lecture, Shannon and Weaver define information as a reduction of uncertainty.  In their well-known model of communication, we learn that an information source transmits a message in some form of an encoded signal, via an appropriate channel. The signal is then received and decoded by the receiver, into a message from which the receiver gains some understanding.  It's apparent that the strength of the signal, or lack thereof, can affect the level of understanding.

In my role at OCLC, ensuring that the signal strength is adequate to ensure full understanding is critical.  A large part of my job at OCLC is communicating with librarians.  My job is to assist them with data migration when they choose to move from a traditional ILS to OCLC's WorldShare Management Services platform.  This often involves conveying technical information to non-technical staff members.  It's easy for what I consider information to become just a data stream to the receiver of my message, without the proper context for understanding.

In our lecture this week, I pondered the work I do when Dr. Roland advised us to pay more attention to the question than the answer.  I can provide a wealth of links to technical documentation, but if I haven't taken the time to listen to the questions asked, or to ask the correct questions, then my answers will be inadequate for understanding.  Access to the information that I need to convey must begin with the right question and the appropriate signal strength for returning information, and ultimately, understanding.

I might add my own definition of information as a reduction of anxiety.  When we gain a greater understanding of some part of our world, knowledge is created, and with knowledge, a greater level of confidence in our own abilities.