Forms of Information: Oral, Pictorial Printed & Digitized | BLIS-201: Information and Communication

1. Introduction

The world of information is diverse and ever-expanding, encompassing various forms and media through which knowledge is communicated and preserved. In Library and Information Sciences, understanding these different forms of information is essential for effectively managing and accessing resources. This study material delves into four key forms of information: oral, pictorial, printed, and digitized. Oral information, transmitted through spoken language, has been a vital means of communication since ancient times. It encompasses conversations, interviews, speeches, and storytelling, carrying personal narratives and cultural heritage richness. In libraries and archives, oral information is collected and preserved to document local history and capture diverse perspectives.
Pictorial information, on the other hand, employs visual representations such as images, photographs, and graphs to convey knowledge. Visual communication has a universal appeal and offers a powerful medium for storytelling, simplifying complex ideas, and enhancing engagement. Libraries curate and preserve pictorial information to support research, education, and cultural appreciation. Printed information has played a significant role in disseminating knowledge for centuries. Books, newspapers, magazines, and other printed documents have shaped societies, fostered intellectual growth, and preserved the written word. Libraries acquire, catalogue, and provide access to printed materials, ensuring they remain valuable resources for research, learning, and leisure reading. With the advent of digital technology, information has expanded to include digitised resources. Digitised information converts analogue materials into digital formats, improving accessibility, searchability, and preservation. Libraries now manage digital repositories, ensuring digitised resources' long-term availability and usability. Understanding these different forms of information is crucial for aspiring library and information science professionals.

2: Oral Information

Oral information transmits knowledge, ideas, and data through spoken language. It encompasses conversations, interviews, lectures, speeches, and storytelling. Oral information has been a fundamental means of communication since ancient times.

Characteristics and Features: Oral information possesses unique characteristics. It is dynamic, immediate, interactive, context-dependent, and rich in non-verbal cues. These features make oral information particularly valuable in capturing cultural heritage, preserving personal narratives, and conveying complex ideas. Examples: Oral information includes oral histories, folklore, interviews, and traditions. It can be found in various settings such as libraries, archives, museums, and community centres. For instance, libraries may collect and preserve oral histories to document local history and capture diverse perspectives.
Oral Information in Libraries and Archives: Libraries and archives play a crucial role in collecting and preserving oral information. They employ specialised techniques like oral history interviews, transcription, and digitisation to ensure the accessibility and longevity of oral records. These efforts contribute to the enrichment of historical and cultural collections.

3: Pictorial Information

Pictorial information encompasses visual representations such as images, photographs, drawings, diagrams, and charts. It is a powerful medium for communication that transcends language barriers and provides a visual understanding of complex concepts.

Types of Pictorial Information: There are various types of pictorial information, including illustrations, infographics, maps, graphs, and photographs. Each type serves different purposes and is employed in diverse fields such as education, research, advertising, and journalism.
Pictorial Information in Library Collections: Libraries curate and preserve pictorial information to support research, education, and cultural appreciation. They acquire and digitise visual resources, develop image databases, and promote visual literacy among patrons. Pictorial collections contribute to the enrichment of library holdings and facilitate multidisciplinary exploration.

4: Printed Information

Printed information refers to materials produced through printing, including books, newspapers, magazines, pamphlets, and other printed documents. Printing technology revolutionised the dissemination of knowledge and played a crucial role in the development of modern societies.

Evolution of Printing Technology: The evolution of printing technology can be traced back to ancient times with techniques such as woodblock printing and movable type. The invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg in the 15th century marked a significant milestone, leading to the mass production of printed materials.
Types of Printed Materials: Printed materials encompass various formats and genres, including scholarly books, popular fiction, newspapers, periodicals, and reference works. Each type serves different purposes and caters to diverse information needs.
Significance of Printed Information in Libraries: Printed information remains a cornerstone of library collections. Libraries acquire, catalogue, and provide access to printed materials to support research, learning, and leisure reading. They also undertake preservation efforts to ensure the' longevity and availability of printed resources to future generations.

5: Digitised Information

Digitised information refers to the conversion of analogue materials into digital formats. It involves capturing, storing, and providing access to resources such as books, manuscripts, photographs, audio recordings, and videos in digital form.

Advantages and Challenges of Digitisation: Digitisation offers numerous advantages, including improved accessibility, enhanced searchability, space efficiency, and preservation of fragile materials. However, it also poses challenges related to copyright, digital preservation, and ensuring the authenticity and accuracy of digital reproductions.
Digital Formats and Preservation: Digitised information exists in PDF, JPEG, MP3, and MP4 formats. Libraries employ digital preservation strategies, including migration, emulation, and metadata management, to ensure the long-term accessibility and usability of digitised resources.
Digitised Information Management in Libraries: Libraries play a vital role in managing digitised information. They create digital repositories, develop user-friendly interfaces, and implement robust metadata standards. Digitisation initiatives allow libraries to expand access to valuable resources and bridge the digital divide.

6: Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the various forms of information—oral, pictorial, printed, and digitised—is vital for individuals studying Library and Information Sciences. Each form brings unique qualities, benefits, and challenges to the field. Its dynamic and interactive nature, oral information captures personal narratives and cultural heritage. It holds immense value in preserving and sharing diverse perspectives. Through its visual representations, pictorial information simplifies complex concepts and enhances engagement. It is crucial in supporting research, education, and cultural appreciation. Printed information, a traditional medium, has long been the cornerstone of libraries and the dissemination of knowledge. It has shaped societies and provided valuable research, learning, and leisure reading resources. Digitised information, a digital technology product, offers improved accessibility and preservation, ensuring the longevity of useful resources. By understanding the characteristics, examples, and management strategies associated with each form, library and information science professionals can effectively acquire, organise, and provide access to information resources. They can make informed decisions on choosing the most suitable form for specific needs and contexts.
As the field continues to evolve, library and information science professionals need to balance preserving traditional formats with embracing new digital possibilities. By doing so, they can ensure the accessibility, usability, and relevance of information resources for present and future generations.