Liquid Information:

a concept for reflection in Information Science

Abstract

This research defines, presents and discusses liquid information in Information Science, as well as demonstrating its attributes in relation to information and communication technologies. It uses bibliographic research methods with a qualitative approach and extensive bibliographic search. As an object under construction, liquid information was defined and its attributes characterized as challenges to reflection in Information Science. The research did not aim to bring solutions to the complex problems of Information Science, but to initiate discussions to reflect information in the actions of Information Science in contemporary times. Based on its definition and attributes, liquid information does not aim to encourage dichotomies and, therefore, is not contrary to what is material or in a materiality; what is systematized or hierarchical in systems; of scientific knowledge versus common sense and information only in the virtual pole and through the use of technologies. But it is favorable and a driver of debates and practices that break down barriers that prevent information and Information Science from achieving scientificity and social notoriety among post-modern information subjects. It was intended to constitute a corpus for the studies of liquid information in the context of Information Science, as well as for the construction of its attributes. Research and the object of liquid information were presented as a way of reflection for Information Science and its scientific community, and does not, therefore, present solutions, but questions and concerns to be thought about and questioned in the prerogatives of their practices and scientific scrutiny.